Ask the Experts: Summer 2009
Question from Jeffery Rogers: My wife is a keen rambler, but her knees swell when she walks more than 5km/3 miles. She used to experience pain in one knee and now uses elasticated supports on both, plus shock-absorbant poles, which allows her to happily walk 10km/6 miles or more. But, as there’s a history of rheumatoid arthritis in her family, her father being badly affected, we wondered whether it is advisable for her to continue hiking, or if this will be detrimental in the long run.
Dr Helen Crawley: Your wife’s problem is likely to be osteoarthritis, caused by wear and tear – this is the most common cause of symptoms in the bigger joints, such as the knees and hips. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect the smaller joints of the hands, wrists, feet and ankles, and, while larger joints such as the hips can be affected, I would have expected your wife to have noticed other joint problems as well. However, obvious swelling after walking is unusual with osteoarthritis, so I suggest she sees her doctor for an assessment. I can understand your concern that walking will make your wife’s osteoarthritis worse by impacting on her knees. However, the health benefits include improved fitness, weight reduction and strengthening of leg muscles, so she should find ways to continue with this activity. She’s already discovered that poles and knee supports reduce her symptoms. Other ways of protecting her knees include wearing cushioned shoes, avoiding long downhill routes, keeping slim and avoiding carrying a heavy backpack. A physiotherapist can advise your wife on how to strengthen the muscles around her knees to protect them from further damage.
Question from Sallie Leveridge: Do you know of any wheelchair-friendly walks in South Somerset?
William Moreno: South Somerset is blessed with stunning, unspoilt countryside and a huge range of nature reserves, parkland and walking routes, both long and short. The Visit South Somerset website (www.visitsouthsomerset.com) carries full listings. But while many have some limited disabled access (call ahead to check), fully wheelchair-friendly walking routes are rare. One such route is in Ham Hill Country Park, near Stoke-sub-Hamdon – a lovely 390-acre open-access site centred on an Iron Age hill fort (? 01935 823617, www.visitsouthsomerset.com/hamhill). Thankfully, the region’s premier longdistance route, the South West Coast Path, does have numerous sections that are suitable for wheelchair users, and its excellent website (www. southwestcoast path.com) provides a searchable database of walks graded as to whether they’re suitable for conventional wheelchairs or more powerful mobility scooters. Also, check the Ramblers’ online Group Walks Finder (www.ramblers.co.uk/walks finder) for details of thousands of led walks all over the country, with an option to search for those suitable for wheelchair users. The disability pages on the Ramblers’ website (www.ramblers.org.uk/info/ everyone/disability) may also have some contacts you would find useful.
Question from Neil Munro: My wife and I have just come across a diverted public footpath that turned our walk into more of a scramble. Would it have been done after due consultation with the appropriate authorities?
Martin Key: Public rights of way can only be legally diverted if the local authority makes, and confirms, the appropriate legal order. Notices must be placed at each end of the right of way, in the local press and sent to interested user groups, such as the Ramblers, to allow comments to be made. I suggest you ask the council or unitary authority if a diversion order has been made. The right of way should always be available to use and any attempt to obstruct it is an offence. However, if there is an additional path with a sign saying, for example: ‘Suggested alternative route away from eroding riverbank’, then you can decide which path to take – appreciating the landowner’s efforts to keep your feet dry!
Question from Jonathan Checketts: Most modern three-season boots seem to last no longer than a year before the soles wear out or the fabric begins to deteriorate. I notice that many are not even guaranteed beyond 12 months, and that some manufacturers warn that their boots will deteriorate over time, whether they are worn or not. So, what’s the truth about modern walking boots – has the build quality and robustness declined in recent times?
Minnie Burlton: I asked Brasher’s renowned boot expert, Bill Woodruff, for his thoughts. “Longevity is affected by the quality, price, what the boot is designed for and the level of usage, ” he says. “Dog walkers and long-distance walkers account for the heaviest users, and their footwear tends to wear out quicker. I’m not aware of any manufacturers who caution on deterioration even if the boot is not worn. Build quality hasn’t declined over the years, but the trend towards lighterweight products has meant that more light boots are being placed in the three-season category. ” While leather boots are, in my experience, more hard-wearing over the long-term, Bill says the common belief that they’re heavier is a myth. “Leather can be just as light as fabric, ” he argues. “It’s actually the sole unit that dictates the weight of the boot.”
Send us your questions
Do you want an answer to a health, gear or legal question? Then write to us at walk, Ramblers, 2nd Floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW or email denise.noble@ramblers.org.uk with your name and address. Letters may be edited and may be included on this website. We are not able to acknowledge letters.
The writers of all letters published will win a HotRox Electronic Hand Warmer – the new way to stay warm. They’re rechargeable and can be turned on and off at the flick of a switch. HotRox hand warmers are the must-have accessory for everyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Visit www.thehotrox.co.uk.
