The Santa Faz Pilgrimage, taking place tomorrow in Alicante, involves an approximately eight-kilometer journey between the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás and the Monastery of Santa Faz. Many participants undertake this route without adequate prior preparation, which can lead to typical problems of long marches, such as chafing, wounds, or even injuries.
“"Subjecting the body to prolonged walks can trigger various musculoskeletal discomforts, especially in the lower extremities. Among the most frequent are overloads and cramps."
Adrián Zafra, coordinator of the Physiotherapy Unit at Vithas Medimar hospital, emphasizes the importance of prior training, especially for individuals unaccustomed to walking. He also recommends using appropriate sports footwear, abundant hydration throughout the journey, and ensuring that the backpack's weight does not exceed 10% of body weight.
Should symptoms of overload appear, Zafra advises performing stretches and taking a brief break without allowing the body to cool down. If intense pain arises that prevents normal walking, it is essential to seek assistance.
