Has anyone spent extended time on the trail with a chronic knee injury? I'm 34 and hiking is my favorite hobby but my left knee sometimes inflames due to a five year old injury. I have a Baker's cyst from said injury but my MRI shows no other obvious problem. An x-ray doesn't really show arthritis either. My wife and I had plans to start travelling and hiking extensively in July, including the 100 mile wilderness (maybe more). My latest set back has me frustrated. It's likely I'll pursue an exploratory arthroscopy this winter to be sure there isn't something the MRI isn't seeing causing my problem.
I'm wondering if anyone has any tips or tricks beyond the obvious for making the most of hiking while dealing with a chronic knee injury. A knee brace helps stabilize the knee a bit. I've always hated hiking poles but I understand now that they're probably not optional for me any longer. I'll be picking some up at REI this weekend. I know downhill is the worst part as far as impact on the knees goes and I've been working to retrain how I hike to actively engage the hamstrings when going downhill so that the movement is more smooth and deliberate instead of the jarring incurred by simply allowing the earth to stop your foot against the force of gravity.
Thanks in advance for any input!