The Journey Begins

After a couple of years of constant knee pain, I started trials with an Adelaide University looking at ways to improve my mobility and reduce pain by learning, setting and reviewing goals, doing gentle exercise and embarking on a walking programme.  

My journey began in June 2021 and here I am 3 months later, much improved and sharing some of my favourite walks. Many have been done several times, others just once but hope to try again and a few I hope to attempt in the near future as my fitness levels improve.

I firmly believe that OA need not end in surgery and that there are many things I can do to alleviate pain without taking medication, exercise will help not hinder progress and that this condition will not get progressively worse.

I set my first goal - to walk to the Punchbowl lookout at Onkaparinga Gorge. This gently sloping walk on firm gravel takes just under an hour with photo stops and is approximately 2km long.

I completed it on 22nd AUGUST! I was certainly out of puff by the end but, although I had aching muscles the next day, the stiffness and discomfort in my knees was gone in 48 hours.  Hopefully next time will be easier!

My next target is the slightly more difficult Sugarloaf Glacial Hike at Hallett Cove. It is also 2km in length BUT has loads of uneven wooden steps (including railway sleepers), both up and down. Last time I attempted it I was fitter but on my own. I fell near the start and grazed and bruised my knees quite badly. I am understandably a little fearful but determined to do it without mishap and will make sure I am not alone this time.

WATCH THIS SPACE.............   to be continued