Hear an orthopedist’s perspective on hiking and what you can do to keep your joints healthy – whether training for fall trail hikes or recovering from summer back-packing sprains or tears.

Water is a non-negotiable when packing for your next hike. A definite must. For tips about how much to take with you and how much to drink to replenish the fluids you lose, check out our hydration article. H2O helps lubricate and cushion joints, regulate body temp, and protect your tissues. And it’s portable!

CAUTION: Never stretch when your muscles are cold. Always do a light warm-up first – try taking a brisk 10-minute walk – to loosen up all your joints, ligaments, and tendons around your muscles. Then do a stretching routine. Flexibility helps us move better and makes trekking across irregular terrain easier.