David Lozano
Senior Director of Communications
As cooler weather settles in, it’s the perfect time to lace up your hiking boots and explore the stunning landscapes of Arizona. Whether you prefer to hike Camelback Mountain or Oak Creek Trail in Sedona, there’s nothing like hitting the trails and connecting with nature. While hiking is great exercise for active adults, safety should always be a top priority.
Hikers can experience a variety of injuries including twisted or sprained ankles which are common. Uneven terrain can lead to missteps, making proper footwear essential. Look for shoes or boots that are designed especially for hiking. They should also provide excellent ankle support and cushioning.
Knee pain or injury is a common issue for hikers. Overuse of the knee joint could occur while hiking since your knees are under stress as you climb and descend on hiking trails as they absorb the impact of your weight. While it’s important for beginning hikers to take things slowly, even seasoned hikers can experience knee pain during a hiking journey.
“There are various ways that you can prevent a knee injury or any other joint injury while hiking,” said Dr. Mark Campbell, orthopedic surgeon at The CORE Institute. “If this is your first time or you’ve done many hikes in the past, you are going to want to make sure your knees and joints are able to handle this activity. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or more experienced, you can get hurt on the trails. If you’re injured and it’s severe, it could lead to mobility issues if it’s not treated properly.”
For newer hikers, Dr. Campbell recommends starting slow and see how you do with shorter hikes before attempting longer or more challenging trails. If concerned, consulting with an orthopedic professional prior to hiking is always a good idea for anyone who might have questions or be experiencing pain. If you end up developing knee pain as a result of hiking, experts at The CORE Institute can help you develop a comprehensive plan for your recovery and return to activity. Non-surgical treatment options may be offered first to see if you can overcome pain.
If there is no sufficient benefit from non-surgical options, then surgery may be the possible next step. Fellowship-trained knee physicians at The CORE Institute use the latest techniques, technologies, and advances to help resolve knee problems including robotic and image-guided technologies.
Hiking can be a great outdoor activity, but it’s important to be prepared to prevent injuries to your feet, knees and other joints. If you’re looking to hit the trails very soon, consider making an appointment with an orthopedic expert who can assess your physical condition and provide guidance on how to prevent injuries.
The CORE Institute has received many awards and is nationally recognized for excellence in orthopedic and spine care, clinical outcomes and exceptional patient experience. With more than 20 locations across the valley, it is more convenient than ever to engage with our expert physicians, therapists and dedicated staff who are all committed to help you Keep Life in Motion®. Appointments can be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, go to TheCOREInstitute.com.
