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Main Boards => General Walking Discussion => Topic started by: sunnydale on 19:38:32, 16/05/17

Title: Hand pain from gripping walking poles
Post by: sunnydale on 19:38:32, 16/05/17
On Sunday, I did a 19 mile walk which involved a fair bit of climbing throughout. Now, although I've been using a walking pole more over the last few months, I've never used one for the length of time I used one on Sunday.
We were on the hill for approx 8 hours (with a few stops en-route) and I used my pole for most of the walk, apart from on the flat easier going sections.


During the night last night, I woke with terrible pain in my right hand.  My knuckle joints were very stiff and the bones on the back of my hand were really painful. Even my palm hurt! I could feel discomfort in my wrist too.


I wasn't aware that I'd gripped my pole handle too tightly, so I think it was just because it was something my hand wasn't used to.


Just wondered if anyone else has suffered hand pain in this way after using poles on a longer walk.....


Tracey :)


P.S I've rubbed three applications of Voltarol pain-eze emugel on it today and it's more or less OK now  O0



Title: Re: Hand pain from gripping walking poles
Post by: alewife on 19:49:43, 16/05/17
I tried poles more recently but someone (Peter) pointed out that I was holding them incorrectly and putting hands up through the straps was much more comfortable than the way I was holding them. So that may help. I always wear gloves if using them , and have some very thin running gloves from one of the german supermarkets for whe its warm. Maybe also try using the poles off and on for a few walks till your hands get used to them. Its worth persevering if you find them helpful. Hope you get it sorted.
Title: Re: Hand pain from gripping walking poles
Post by: Welsh Rambler on 20:07:33, 16/05/17
There's guidance on using poles at https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/expert-advice/how-to-use-hiking-poles. A light grip is all you need if you have the strap correctly tightened.


I find I walk a lot quicker using poles.  :D


Best of luck.


Regards Keith
Title: Re: Hand pain from gripping walking poles
Post by: ninthace on 22:13:34, 16/05/17
As has been said, use the straps to "take the strain" in the same way ski poles are gripped. Finger tip control of the pole tip will then be possible and the base of your palms and wrists will do the work. I also note you refer to pole singular. A pair of poles  will provide a more balanced load. With practice, your poles should become extensions of your arms providing added balance and propulsion.
Title: Re: Hand pain from gripping walking poles
Post by: DevonDave on 22:18:00, 16/05/17
I agree, it's important to use the straps correctly, and as alewife says, gloves help.  I don't use poles myself as I like to keep my hands free, but my wife does and she always wears a pair of fingerless cycling gloves that have good grip for the palms.
Title: Re: Hand pain from gripping walking poles
Post by: tonyk on 22:18:13, 16/05/17
As stated,the correct way is to use the straps.The hands should remain completely relaxed and open,especially when walking on the flat.The only time the poles are held with any tension is during a descent.If you are new to using walking poles its quite normal to get some discomfort in the triceps muscle,especially the next day.
Title: Re: Hand pain from gripping walking poles
Post by: gunwharfman on 10:14:25, 17/05/17
I've had the same problem, I now use Pacerpoles and my hand pain is now a thing of the past.
Title: Re: Hand pain from gripping walking poles
Post by: Rather be walking on 12:31:47, 18/05/17
I've had the same problem, I now use Pacerpoles and my hand pain is now a thing of the past.

I have arthritis in both hands and wrist and Pacerpoles helped a lot, tad expensive but worth every penny.
Title: Re: Hand pain from gripping walking poles
Post by: ninthace on 17:09:10, 18/05/17
I use Pacerpoles too. They fit so naturally into the hand that they require little effort to hold them. Incidentally, while out today I would estimate at least half the walkers I saw today with poles were not holding them correctly or using them to get the best out of them.
Title: Re: Hand pain from gripping walking poles
Post by: Skip on 19:43:22, 18/05/17
First, as noted above using two poles will spread the load and give better balance.

Second, also as noted above, you shouldn't need to grip the poles tightly: the load should be borne by the strap.

Peter Clinch has a whole website devoted to using poles. It is called Pete's Pole Pages (http://medphys.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/gear/poles/poles1.html) and is very detailed. Read what Pete says about grip and straps (http://medphys.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/gear/poles/poles2.html#Features).
Title: Re: Hand pain from gripping walking poles
Post by: Annejacko on 09:19:34, 19/05/17
Quote
she always wears a pair of fingerless cycling gloves that have good grip for the palms

I wear these too, cheap ones from Aldi are fine, the palm is padded which helps with comfort. More expensive pairs haven't been any better and in fact fell apart quicker.

If it's colder I wear a thin pair of running gloves underneath.
Title: Re: Hand pain from gripping walking poles
Post by: sunnydale on 15:26:48, 19/05/17
Gosh, I honestly didn't realise there was a 'correct' way to hold poles! I wasn't aware that the strap played a key role - I just thought it stopped you dropping the pole should you need to let go of the handle, for any reason
(as I do, when I'm taking photos).



Thanks so much for the replies, they've been really helpful.  And thanks Skip for the links you've posted.  I'll have a good read at all the info.


My hand is fully recovered now, BTW. O0


Thanks again,


Tracey :)
Title: Re: Hand pain from gripping walking poles
Post by: Skip on 20:22:42, 19/05/17
.... And thanks Skip for the links you've posted...
You're welcome - glad to help. Pete's pages deserve to be better known so spread the word.

My hand is fully recovered now, BTW.
Good to hear  :)