Yes, I go hiking in the alps a lot and wondered the same thing. Following a football injury the other week though, I've actually been advised by a doctor to use walking poles when hiking to preserve my knees. Especially on steep downhill bits and when carrying a rucksack full of rainproof clothing, water and whatever else, using walking poles apparently takes a lot of stress off the knees.
Still not tried them, the biggest risk I see is buying them and then leaving them somewhere.
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