Foot care for hikers
October 29, 2008
People going on hikes need to be extra careful about taking care of their feet. A perfectly good trip could be ruined just because of a few blisters or because of fungal skin infections. A few precautions will definitely help a hiking or backpacking trip.
It is important to maintain good foot hygiene whilst on a trip. One should definitely wear a pair of comfortable shoes when walking. Carrying a few pairs of socks would also be a good idea, and when those socks get dirty, you will need to change them. Feet also need to breathe, so stopping every few hours to let them out of socks and shoes is necessary.
When the feet start becoming hot, this is when one should pay attention, as this could lead to blisters. This sign should be taken seriously, and should be dealt with immediately. Also, if one feels that their feet are getting sore, they should definitely stop for the day or take a break for a while. Another good idea would be to tighten the shoe laces at the ankles whilst going downhill, as this will prevent the toes from jamming against the front part of the shoes.
Taking these simple precautions will help while on a trek or hike.