Nordic walking poles work for hikers, but they also work for anyone like me with balance issues. In fact they are used in rehabilitation centers. I’m giving them a try upon delivery!
Thanks for writing about Nordic poles, Diane. I live on a former dairy farm littered with rocks and uneven surfaces, which make daily walks impossible for me. I've been using a walker, but I'm ready to ditch it.
Nordic poles sound like a good solution for someone with four joint replacements and a steel ankle plate; fibromyalgia; balance problems; and overlapping autoimmune diseases. And, I'm also 5'2" and would also love to develop toned upper arms.
I ended up ordering the same poles you did, Diane. After reading about all the collapsing poles, I decided to avoid that risk. Are you going to be working with a PT who'll help you learn the right techniques? There are about 5 billion You Tube videos (slight exaggeration😏)
Diane, if I understand correctly, you fell after a long walk, not during? If so, I wonder if it could be the result of muscle fatigue or something else?
I mention this because I started having random falls (during walks and then just walking in our yard) which at first I thought were due to clumsiness. I later was diagnosed with myositis and then, with hindsight, realized that these falls were due to the disease.
Sidewalks and concrete are quite unforgiving, indeed! I wish i knew earlier to consider that the falls might be indicative of myositis. It could have saved me from seemingly random falls over several years. Due to my condition, I now use a device called a Lifeglider, that keeps me safe from falls (but I need to stay on level surfaces for it to work as intended).
I hope it’s not that, but I would encourage getting checked out. Many doctors are unfamiliar with myositis, so seek out a neuromuscular specialist if you can. You can learn more about myositis from The Myositis Association.
The poles can be handy if it’s just a balance thing. I hope they allow you to continue walking for a long time to come!
Thanks so much, Lori. I’m not familiar with myositis, but I will research and talk to my doctor. You please stay safe. One of the things I’ve noticed that sometimes I want to veer left from a standing position, and I never get quickly up out of bed or a chair.
Getting up from sitting out from bed is also affected. I used to sit on the floor and that became more and more difficult. I can’t do that any more. I can manage a chair with difficulty, but it can’t be a low chair. DM me if you want to continue this convo.
Got the pun, love it. Nearly 80, have had to give up walking, terrible sciatica (note what time of day I’m writing this). There is a newly built indoor walking track in my town, pretty crowded, but I saw one person with poles, will give it a try on your recommendation. If it’s not raining can walk outside now.
Yes! I’ve been using trekking poles for at least a dozen years when hiking. They take a ton of pressure off the knees. And not just for long hikes and vacations (okay, they did come in handy in the Himalayas), I take them into the hills right behind my house for mud hopping, small stream crossing, and the steep side of the hill above the house.
One thing to remember, when flying they must go in checked bags. Get the collapsible type. Some countries are very strict on invasive biologicals, so clean the tips.
Awesome purchase Diane. I don't use them and should! Can I ask where you ordered yours? I need to order some. I just started PT for my lumbar and will be starting more for my neck and shoulder. I totally need these!
My husband & I both use them, they’re great & easy to get used to. We live in a canyon so the walking paths can be rocky although they are well maintained. Hope you enjoy yours!
I took them to trek around Manaslu in Nepal. Did not use them until I got stomach bug a week into a 3 week walk. Once I started, I never stopped! Very useful on steep down slopes.
In between the Annapurna Himal and Ganesh Himal. Manaslu is the worlds eight highest mountain. We walked from Gorka up the Buri Gandaki River into Nupri and crossed the Larkya La pass at 17,000 foot elevation with great views of Annapurna. Followed the Dud Kola and Marsyandi River to Pokhara, the last leg is the end of the Annapurna circuit.
Made my own walking stick with a V at the end. Gave a bit more support and used it to shoo a rattlesnake away. The snake struck the stick and two fang marks still there. At least it wasn’t my leg. The snake still lives with a fang ache I’m sure.
🤣I hadn’t thought of snakes, Richard! Good move! Or we could roast hotdogs with a pole! Growing up, we used freshly cut branch carved with a spear point end! 🌭
Diane K24: Walking with a staff is common, I think, in woodland paths in Germany and Switzerland, so you are in good company.
Walking, I think, is the main thing. You have built a community that harmonizes with each other and we are blessed with what you share and reciprocate from the heart with friendship in the Substack community.
I hope this message finds you with both feet on the ground, unlike me, who’s supposed to be striding gallantly with walking poles but, let’s face it, that’s just not happening. Now, don’t get me wrong, I wholeheartedly support using walking poles! They’re fantastic for balance, support, and even building upper body strength - for those who use them. But for me? Well, let’s dive into that.
First off, there’s the mystery of the disappearing poles. I mean, I put them down for ONE second to admire a particularly fascinating pebble, and poof! Vanished. It’s like there’s a walking pole Bermuda Triangle in my vicinity.
And don’t even get me started on the tips! Finding them is like going on a treasure hunt, except the treasure is tiny, easily lost, and absolutely essential for not stabbing the ground angrily every step I take.
Speaking of stabbing, there’s a horde of small children who zoom past me, their laughter taunting me as I contemplate the forbidden use of poles to gently remind them of the virtues of sharing the path. Of course, I wouldn’t, but the thought does cross my mind in my darker, more curmudgeonly moments.
Then there’s the irresistible urge to stop and excavate every rock that looks like it might be worth adding to my already too extensive collection at home. I mean, who needs the steady rhythm of walking when you can have the chaotic joy of amateur geology?
So, as you see, my dear friend, while I stand behind the idea of walking poles and their many benefits, actually using them myself is a different story. Most of these reasons boil down to my being a bit of a curmudgeon who’d rather not walk at all if it involves more equipment than my own two feet.
But please, have patience with me. One day, I might just surprise you and show up with poles in hand, ready to take on the path with you. Or, more likely, I’ll be there to cheer you on from a comfortable seat, with a cold drink in hand, marveling at your persistence and patience.
Thanks! If I find one pole is sufficient (good possibility), that’s what I’ll do. I told my hubby that he could switch from his cane to a pole in the yard. He doesn’t walk distances due to back pain.
Thanks for sharing! They are doing great!
Thanks for writing about Nordic poles, Diane. I live on a former dairy farm littered with rocks and uneven surfaces, which make daily walks impossible for me. I've been using a walker, but I'm ready to ditch it.
Nordic poles sound like a good solution for someone with four joint replacements and a steel ankle plate; fibromyalgia; balance problems; and overlapping autoimmune diseases. And, I'm also 5'2" and would also love to develop toned upper arms.
~ hammond
Let’s keep one another informed if they work for us! I think they will relieve anxiety about falling and ruining our replacements.
Good idea.
I agree! What brand did you order, Diane? Think I'll get collapsible.
American Nordic Walking System (poles)
I ended up ordering the same poles you did, Diane. After reading about all the collapsing poles, I decided to avoid that risk. Are you going to be working with a PT who'll help you learn the right techniques? There are about 5 billion You Tube videos (slight exaggeration😏)
Thanks!
Thank you.
Diane, if I understand correctly, you fell after a long walk, not during? If so, I wonder if it could be the result of muscle fatigue or something else?
I mention this because I started having random falls (during walks and then just walking in our yard) which at first I thought were due to clumsiness. I later was diagnosed with myositis and then, with hindsight, realized that these falls were due to the disease.
Sidewalks and concrete are quite unforgiving, indeed! I wish i knew earlier to consider that the falls might be indicative of myositis. It could have saved me from seemingly random falls over several years. Due to my condition, I now use a device called a Lifeglider, that keeps me safe from falls (but I need to stay on level surfaces for it to work as intended).
I hope it’s not that, but I would encourage getting checked out. Many doctors are unfamiliar with myositis, so seek out a neuromuscular specialist if you can. You can learn more about myositis from The Myositis Association.
The poles can be handy if it’s just a balance thing. I hope they allow you to continue walking for a long time to come!
PS another resource is Myositis Support and Understanding. Both are easy to find with Google.
Thanks. I did read a little, and I hope it’s not what I have.
I hope not, either! 🙏🏽
Thanks so much, Lori. I’m not familiar with myositis, but I will research and talk to my doctor. You please stay safe. One of the things I’ve noticed that sometimes I want to veer left from a standing position, and I never get quickly up out of bed or a chair.
Getting up from sitting out from bed is also affected. I used to sit on the floor and that became more and more difficult. I can’t do that any more. I can manage a chair with difficulty, but it can’t be a low chair. DM me if you want to continue this convo.
Got the pun, love it. Nearly 80, have had to give up walking, terrible sciatica (note what time of day I’m writing this). There is a newly built indoor walking track in my town, pretty crowded, but I saw one person with poles, will give it a try on your recommendation. If it’s not raining can walk outside now.
So glad you posted this, very encouraging.
We all need security when we walk, and I hope we can be safer and get back to enjoying the outdoors (or indoor walking)! Be safe, Vianna!
I love my Nordic poles which I have used after hip surgery.
Thanks! I appreciate your comment!
Yes! I’ve been using trekking poles for at least a dozen years when hiking. They take a ton of pressure off the knees. And not just for long hikes and vacations (okay, they did come in handy in the Himalayas), I take them into the hills right behind my house for mud hopping, small stream crossing, and the steep side of the hill above the house.
One thing to remember, when flying they must go in checked bags. Get the collapsible type. Some countries are very strict on invasive biologicals, so clean the tips.
I didn’t get the collapsible because I don’t.fly. Bit the poles I got are custom made for your exact height since I’m 5’2. No more expensive.
The ones I have are Black Diamond. The length of the lower and middle sections are adjustable and calibrated in millimeters.
More power to you! I'm jealous you can still get out and walk. Fibromyalgia is keeping me at home for the most part. <3
I try to stay healthy because my husband is not. Right now we are sitting in the dark with the power out until Thursday they say. Bad storm!
I'm in Michigan's upper peninsula and we are watching a storm come in. Stay safe!
You too, Susan! You get some powerful wind up there even with no storms!
Awesome purchase Diane. I don't use them and should! Can I ask where you ordered yours? I need to order some. I just started PT for my lumbar and will be starting more for my neck and shoulder. I totally need these!
And if you travel or want smaller storage, get the collapsible type that have open and close clamps, not twisting.
Thanks Michael!
REI
Amazon. I got the one piece. Not collapsible.
Thanks!
My husband & I both use them, they’re great & easy to get used to. We live in a canyon so the walking paths can be rocky although they are well maintained. Hope you enjoy yours!
Sounds great!
An added benefit of using poles is not as much pressure on our knees! Continue to heal as we need you!!
Thanks, Sissy. I have 3 joint replacements, and I’m hoping the poles with save the remaining knee!
I took them to trek around Manaslu in Nepal. Did not use them until I got stomach bug a week into a 3 week walk. Once I started, I never stopped! Very useful on steep down slopes.
Hi Eugene, Where in Nepal is Manaslu? I took my trekking poles on the Langtang Valley trek in Nepal.
In between the Annapurna Himal and Ganesh Himal. Manaslu is the worlds eight highest mountain. We walked from Gorka up the Buri Gandaki River into Nupri and crossed the Larkya La pass at 17,000 foot elevation with great views of Annapurna. Followed the Dud Kola and Marsyandi River to Pokhara, the last leg is the end of the Annapurna circuit.
I like it. Langtang Valley trek tops out at a 15,800 ft hill. Unless you bring the technical climbing gear.
What a journey! You must be pretty fit to that!
Wow, Eugene! What a trek back!
I use them. They exercise your upper body muscles also. For balance you really need to use both poles.
Good to know, Sue! I’ll report! Maybe I can lose some arm flab🤣
Made my own walking stick with a V at the end. Gave a bit more support and used it to shoo a rattlesnake away. The snake struck the stick and two fang marks still there. At least it wasn’t my leg. The snake still lives with a fang ache I’m sure.
🤣I hadn’t thought of snakes, Richard! Good move! Or we could roast hotdogs with a pole! Growing up, we used freshly cut branch carved with a spear point end! 🌭
Yes or fork to cook 2 marshmallows at same time.
Diane K24: Walking with a staff is common, I think, in woodland paths in Germany and Switzerland, so you are in good company.
Walking, I think, is the main thing. You have built a community that harmonizes with each other and we are blessed with what you share and reciprocate from the heart with friendship in the Substack community.
Hi, Sweetie!
I hope this message finds you with both feet on the ground, unlike me, who’s supposed to be striding gallantly with walking poles but, let’s face it, that’s just not happening. Now, don’t get me wrong, I wholeheartedly support using walking poles! They’re fantastic for balance, support, and even building upper body strength - for those who use them. But for me? Well, let’s dive into that.
First off, there’s the mystery of the disappearing poles. I mean, I put them down for ONE second to admire a particularly fascinating pebble, and poof! Vanished. It’s like there’s a walking pole Bermuda Triangle in my vicinity.
And don’t even get me started on the tips! Finding them is like going on a treasure hunt, except the treasure is tiny, easily lost, and absolutely essential for not stabbing the ground angrily every step I take.
Speaking of stabbing, there’s a horde of small children who zoom past me, their laughter taunting me as I contemplate the forbidden use of poles to gently remind them of the virtues of sharing the path. Of course, I wouldn’t, but the thought does cross my mind in my darker, more curmudgeonly moments.
Then there’s the irresistible urge to stop and excavate every rock that looks like it might be worth adding to my already too extensive collection at home. I mean, who needs the steady rhythm of walking when you can have the chaotic joy of amateur geology?
So, as you see, my dear friend, while I stand behind the idea of walking poles and their many benefits, actually using them myself is a different story. Most of these reasons boil down to my being a bit of a curmudgeon who’d rather not walk at all if it involves more equipment than my own two feet.
But please, have patience with me. One day, I might just surprise you and show up with poles in hand, ready to take on the path with you. Or, more likely, I’ll be there to cheer you on from a comfortable seat, with a cold drink in hand, marveling at your persistence and patience.
Yours in reluctant ambulation,
G xox
Gloria, you are so funny🤣I can see myself poking at dandelions! 😎I hope the poles work, but we can have a nice drink laughing if not🍹🍹
Walking poles have many varied uses. I’ve been told they are excellent for swordplay as well.
🤣🤣🤣
Thanks! If I find one pole is sufficient (good possibility), that’s what I’ll do. I told my hubby that he could switch from his cane to a pole in the yard. He doesn’t walk distances due to back pain.
The poles really are better.