Compression Sleeves for Hikers and Walkers

Sprained ankles, bursitis and Achilles tendonitis, are common in experienced and amateur walkers. These conditions can be extremely painful and are often made better by resting and staying off your feet. The ankles take a lot of strain from walking and can easily become damaged if walking in slippery conditions, not wearing adequate shoes or support, or simply making a misstep.

If you use your arms to power you through your walks, maybe because you use hiking poles, injury to the elbow due to overuse of the tendons and soft tissue can happen. Those who take their dogs hiking with them are at an increased risk of developing what is unofficially known as dog walker’s elbow, similar to tennis elbow, which is a painful epicondylitis of the elbow caused by repetitively holding or pulling a lead.

It’s no wonder that the knee is often the second-most injured joint from hiking and walking. Damage to the ligaments and meniscus is common in walkers. The knee’s shock-absorbing cartilage can become inflamed and worn when going up and down hills and mountains, making this type of injury common.

Strong quadriceps, hamstring and calf muscles are essential for walking. However, these muscles are susceptible to strain depending on how intense your walking route is. Preventing these is essential as muscle strain can lead to more severe tears in these areas. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is common in the thigh and calf muscles.

You might not think it, but the wrist is also susceptible to injuries caused by hiking. The ligaments in the wrist can become stretched or torn while walking with poles or taking a tumble, causing the joint to become sprained, which can be especially painful.