Knee problems using a foot ascender

[deesideforester]

Hi I bought myself a foot ascender to go with my zigzag and after a days use started getting knee pain anyone else had the same problem.

[Pete Mctree]

I have recently had to switch from a rightfooted to a left footed ascender to relieve knee pain.

good technique helps too - try to "pedal a pushbike backwards" when using it.

[peds]

If you can spare half an hour three or four times a week, do some knee-targeted exercises to strengthen the ligaments and muscles around the knee. Google "ACL rehab exercises" for some inspiration.

[deesideforester]

3 hours ago, Pete Mctree said:

I have recently had to switch from a rightfooted to a left footed ascender to relieve knee pain.

good technique helps too - try to "pedal a pushbike backwards" when using it.

I am sure it was bad technique I was pushing myself up using just my leg big mistake on my part.

[Wonky]

I don’t know if you have used spikes, I guess you have thou. But a foot ascender to me is like spiking up a tree, I have to take small bites.

 

 though I found it was  best to vary your technique, in size of steps to use different muscles as well as angle that you push down

 

Well that is what I found but your mileage will vary 

 

cheers

[Treetom15]

I had a ligament replaced in my left knee (MPFL reconstruction) in March last year, so I intentionally got a left footed ascender to help strengthen my knee after physio etc. I get slight pain every now and again but similar to spending a day on spikes, the more you use it (with good technique) you’ll get much more comfortable with it ?

[Mr. Squirrel]

Had really bad knee pain after a period of sustained & heavy pantin use, about 600m srt ascent per day. Could hardly walk for a fortnight, but not had any issues since. It definitely twists your ankle a bit which I'm sure must in turn twist your knee, so it all makes sense I guess...