How Do Trekking Poles Protect My Knees and Joints?

 Hiking is a popular recreational activity for both beginning and experienced hikers and provides many known health benefits. Hiking downhill, however, has been shown to increase the risk of injury and musculoskeletal pain.  Trekking poles are known to provide stability and balance when hiking on uneven terrain or especially when crossing streams and rivers.  

In addition to increased stability and balance, using trekking poles redistributes some of your weight load from your legs to your upper body which is extremely beneficial when walking downhill.  By transferring some weight off of your legs to your arms, shoulders and back, you significantly reduce lower body fatigue and the stress placed on your lower extremities. 

Trekking Poles Reduce Loading on the Joints

Several studies have been conducted to measure the effects of hiking with trekking poles such as the study documented by the National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Effects of Hiking Downhill Using Trekking Poles While Carrying External Loads. This study was aimed at examining the effectiveness of using trekking poles when hiking downhill, both with and without carrying an external load.

The study featured experienced fifteen male hikers and measured the net joint forces at the knee and ankle, without a backpack, with a day pack weighing 15% of body weight and with a large pack weighing 30% of body weight.  Results of the study showed that using trekking poles significantly reduced peak power absorption at the knee and ankle. The larger pack weight resulted in larger power generation at the hip. 

All conditions were tested with hikers aiming for a 90° bend at the elbow with pole length adjusted for the downhill slope.  The results of this study are consistent with others that show a reduced load to the lower body could decrease muscle injury and soreness. Trekking poles are especially helpful if you have several days of back-to-back hikes planned.

Cascade Mountain Tech Has the Trekking Pole for You

Cascade Mountain Tech offers a wide selection of trekking poles, manufactured with quality materials and subjected to rigorous quality audits and testing. We have the perfect set of trekking poles whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker. You can choose from aluminum, or carbon fiber trekking poles including ultralight and 3K carbon fiber.  

We offer many trekking pole accessories such as replacement pole sections which are great when you only need to replace one section and do not have to purchase a new pole. Our tip accessories include rubber tips, boot tips, sand, mud and snow baskets. Padded adjustable wrist straps and cork or EVA grips provide added comfort and help you walk with a natural rhythm.

Cascade Mountain Tech is an industry leader offering high-quality camping and hiking gear including trekking poles, camping chairs, camp bedding, durable rotomolded coolers and more. We believe that outdoor adventure should be achievable to everyone. Contact us with any questions on choosing the right trekking pole for you and how to best use your trekking poles to alleviate joint stress and pain.