Any 'deformities' caused by backpacking?

[TooOld2Hike_EP]

A few weeks ago, while making a short training hike (with a 25 lb backpack), my trekking poles were apparently set too low.

After my hike, both of my index fingers hurt. At the middle knuckle.

I looked at my index fingers and they were both curved 'down.' (Curved at the tips toward the rest of my fingers.)

I could grab them and kind of crack them back straight a bit.

Frankly, I don't know if my index fingers were curved before or not. (I mean, who looks at their index fingers?)

After the offending hike, I adjusted my poles taller, and, for a couple hikes afterward, I hiked with my index fingers extended.

The pain is 99% gone. But my index fingers still have a little curved to them, with a larger gap on my right hand. (As if I had arthritis? But I don't.)

So I'm wondering if anyone knows of permanent deformities caused by backpacking? (Aside from obvious major injuries caused by falls, etc.) Even if you're backpacking correctly.

For example, now that I had this problem with my fingers, I've started looking at my toes. One big toe seems curved toward its brother toes. But since I don't have any pictures of my toes, I don't know if this is a recent change or not.

[DarthStiller]

You guys have toenails?

[chumley]

You guys have toenails?

In the evolutionary process of things, what is their purpose, really?

[big_load]

You guys have toenails?

Off and on

[Alston_Neal]

With the changes in AZ. laws I have been growing exotic tomatoes with the hope of easing all the pain in my feet and knees. I'm coming to the conclusion that it's not helping as much as the fact that I now don't care.

[big_load]

I now don't care.

Well, that's a start.

[azbackpackr]

@TooOld2HikeQ
When someone takes the time to post a video and tell you how they have solved a problem you mentioned with your hands, it would be good if you would read your whole thread and actually respond because I'm not going to give any more suggestions to a blank page. This has happened pretty much with all the suggestions I've given you.

[TooOld2Hike_EP]

@azbackpackr
As this is an interpersonal matter, I think it best that I respond via PM.

[azbackpackr]

@TooOld2HikeQ
OR, you could read my post with the video about how to hold poles, and comment. Even if the suggestion about how to hold poles doesn't work for you, that's okay, too.

[TooOld2Hike_EP]

@PhoenixStride
Yikes. Clots?

[LindaAnn]

@TooOld2HikeQ
Don’t worry, bots can’t get clots.