[pct-l] bone problems from trekking pole use?

[jmertes@gte.net (John Mertes)]

Hi Emily,

    I used Leki trekking poles when I hike and backpack. I've got far
less miles than you have, maybe about 50 miles total of use. Physical
responses I notice:
 * a little aggravation of my pre-existing carpal tunnel syndrome. I've
switched to Leki poles with the "positive angle" grips which keeps my
wrist in a more natural position and which have a better hand strap.
  * I tired the anti-shock poles then went to the titanium (no
anti-shock available) because they are a little lighter. Usually when
hiking on level to near level ground, I swing the poles forward and let
them light by themselves rather than pushing or shoving them down
besides me. This eliminates a lot of pounding on my hands and wrists
while still giving me the additional stability needed. I take shorter
swings and plant the poles gently on steeper uphills still avoiding the
slamming of the poles into the ground and thus don't beat my wrists and
hands.
  *  I notice a little soreness in my lower arm muscles after using the
pole; muscles not use to the additional work.


All for now. I'm off to hike a little of the PCT.

John