I have seen 4 approaches to using arms to assist legs in walking to Santiago.
Quite a few folks travel with no device. This requires strength, but especially balance, particularly on the steep, rough trails from Le Puy for about 100 km.
A lot of pilgrims travel with a traditional wooden staff. I am pretty sure this represents respect for tradition asmuch as need for an assist. Both these groups move very well.
There are also 2 types of modern walking pole in use. The steel tip variety really dig in on soft or loose surfaces and provide propulsion and balance. With the rain we have had there has been a softening of hard packed dirt surfaces which has led to the washing of loose stone onto the path so steel tips give a great advantage.
I use a synthetic "rubber" tip. The poles are a gift from my wife and family, their way of saying "Go and pursue this dream of yours with our support". I wake up in a strange bed, in a strange town surrounded by new friends or strangers and the sight of those poles stiffens my backbone and softens my heart. I wouldn't change them for anything.
However, if you are buying poles for yourself or a loved one, look for a quick change connector between tip and shaft so the tips can be switched when the track changes.
I think you can just pull the rubber tips off. At least that's what I do, because you need to replace the rubber tips too. I seem to go thru (in my meagre walking) a pair every 3 months. I'm sure yours are worn by now. But mostly .. mostly I LOVE the bit about the poles ... stiffens my backbone and softens my heart. so many metaphores. God is with you!
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