Senior Hiking

Note: Sudden swelling in just one leg may be a sign of deep-vein thrombosis, a potentially life-threatening condition. If you experience this symptom, see a doctor at once. There are approximately 60,000 miles... Read More...

Note: If arthritis symptoms evolve quickly and are accompanied by fever, you may have infectious arthritis. If they arrive quickly without fever, you may be suffering from gout. See your doctor to be sure. Art... Read More...

Note: If you have heel pain with redness or warmth in the heel, or fever, or numbness or tingling in any part of the foot, see your doctor. Do not self-diagnose plantar fasciitis: the symptoms could have other ... Read More...

Note: If your ankle won’t bear your weight, if it is significantly swollen, or visibly misaligned, or if your ankle or foot is numb or turning blue, see a doctor at once. There are two common forms of ankle in... Read More...

Note: If knee pain or swelling is the consequence of twisting or impact, or if it lasts more than 48 hours, or if you feel cracking or popping sensations or lateral instability, see a doctor. If you have lasti... Read More...

Note: If you have hip pain accompanied by fever, inability to bear weight, weakness in the leg or foot, or swelling, bruising, or bleeding, see a doctor at once. The hip is the largest joint in your body. The ... Read More...

Note: Back pain can be a sign of a serious medical problem. Watch for these signs: Back pain that shoots down into your arms or legs. Back pain accompanied by fever. Back pain with numbness or tingling ... Read More...

Note: Severe pain in the neck, back, or jaw that appears without injury or other visible reason should be treated as a medical emergency. Go to an emergency room as soon as possible. This can be a sign of a hea... Read More...

Diet and exercise can help build our physical capacity and our confidence before stepping out onto a trail. The right gear can provide protection, comfort, and security. Sooner or later, though, we stop prepari... Read More...

Exercise is vital for any older adult, and it’s doubly important if you’re preparing to hike. Many medical studies have demonstrated that physical activity helps protect against multiple physical and mental pro... Read More...

Whether you’re new to hiking, you’ve been away from the trail for a while, or even if you’re a regular hiker thinking of taking on more challenging trails, you may wonder if you’re physically ready. No matter h... Read More...

Older adults can maintain a high degree of fitness, but it takes consistent work. As we age we begin to lose our conditioning faster if we stop exercising, and it takes longer to get it back. We’re also more l... Read More...