This probably is nothing new but because I have some knee issues (yes, I'm a runner with runner's knee) I realize that walking poles will be helpful for the C2C. Can someone recommend poles that I'll be able to purchase in Canada (or the U.S.) that work especially well. Thanks

Go back one page, there is a thread about them which may answer your question. Some like them, some never use them, some use them but incorrectly! Personally, I would never go onto hills without them. In over 50 years of strenuous walking I have never suffered a joint problem as I believe that they take a lot of pressure off the knees, especially when going downhill. Or I could just be lucky!

Can anyone have any suggestions for a good pair of poles at a reasonable price?

I use Leki poles, pretty good. Just cleaned the inner's, water seems to attack the metal.

The term 'Runners knee' covers a huge range of knee problems, but is usually associated with a misalignment of the joint. I suffered many knee problems during my competitive running years, until I realised that I had high arches. Since then I wear insole arch supports and have had no further trouble.
I purchased some poles following knee cartilage surgery after tearing it whilst working. I thought they may assist in descents as I recuperated. Soon got fed up them and prefer to keep my legs strong by allowing them to take ALL the strain.
If there's nothing wrong with the joints I don't see the point in using poles. I also suspect that a lot people who do use them every time, have leg muscles that are not really up to the job, and by keeping on using them, they never will be.
Most walker who use them don't really need them, they are simply another must have accessory.
Having said that, some people DO need them, and if they help to get out there and enjoy walking our fantastic countryside
then they can only be a good thing.
Dave.

The use of walking sticks (Leki, e.g.) depends upon the terrain you will be walking over and your physical condition. As most of the UK is relatively flat the average walker does not need them.

However, the use of sticks will benefit most people, as the pumping action tones up upper body and heart muscles. Hence the recent increase in the Nordic speed walking technique being practiced daily by Europeans of all ages.

I need a walking stick support every day as I have an artificial hip, a damaged sciatic nerve and some missing right leg muscles. I can manage to walk on paths in most of England without sticks, but my balance is not good.

See Nordic Walking

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e7SvftztRg

My knees and leg muscles were fine until I walked the South West Coast Path; by the last 2 weeks I couldn't get up steps using my left leg without some form of support. I now carry poles for significant descents and I also take it a bit easier/slower when descending - I think that I knacker myself by going too fast thereby jarring the joints.

Can I suggest you try and borrow a pair of poles first to see how you get on with them. If you are worried bout your knees etc try the anti-shock poles. These are the ones with a spring in them which absorbs impact as you press them down. If you find them useful Leki (and possibly others) make a pair with an adjustable spring which you can alter the level of springyness to suit yourself. This is what I use.

I recently bought a pair of poles for £5.98, thats £2.99 each. (from Go outdoors)
Okay they are a cheap pair. They work,and if I don't need,or don't get on with them, six quid isn't a lot to suffer,where as £80 is.(

Paid 25 quid for mine! But, as I have always used a branch, then a walking stick and then a pole I knew what sort needed. I would always suggest that someone borrows or buys a cheap pair as some people just can't get along with them (or feel overdressed) and it is pointless wasting money on them. Tescos were selling them at about fiver a pair quite recently, appeared quite adequate when I looked at them. Anti- shock are an acquired taste, and again they need to be trialled, if possible, first.