Best practices on footcare generally and daily

[belloc]

Dear all

There are many approaches suggested for footcare to avoid blisters and how to deal with them when and if

I was hoping people could share their suggested preventive practices

Thanks
Mark

[Jaminmama]

Hi Mark,
During my search for information about the Camino I found this website:
http://www.peterrobins.co.uk/walking/blisters.html

hope it helps.
Jaminmama

[Susan]

Hi Belloc:

I work as a volunteer medic at a two-week event where the visitors do a lot of walking, so I mostly see foot injuries. By far, the biggest reason for blisters is wearing foot gear that has not been "broken in" properly. I would not buy a new pair of hiking boots and wear them for the first time when you set out on this trip.

I would also advise a few pair of socks that are designed to absorb moisture. Personally, I like socks that are "cushioned" in the heel and ball of the foot.

Keep your socks and feet clean whenever possible, and you should be fine.

Best regards, Susan

[John Hussey]

Dear all

There are many approaches suggested for footcare to avoid blisters and how to deal with them when and if

I was hoping people could share their suggested preventive practices

Thanks
Mark

1. Fully break in your footwear beforehand, whatever you wear, including trail runners or sandals.
2. Start off slow at the beginning of your trek and slowly build up the miles until some days have past and your feet have become accustomed to the new wear & tear you are placing upon them. If you start out too fast, blisters almost certainly will develop.
3. At the first sign of a 'hot spot', or pre-blister, immediately stop and cover it with band aide, moleskin, or whatever so as to arrest the friction causing the blister's further development.
4. Wear good wicking wool socks designed for trekking, ie., Bridgedale, Smartwool, etc.,. Wear ultra-thin polypro liner socks underneath them (and in addition to) if you are especially prone to blisters. NEVER wear cotton socks! In fact, unless it is in the heat of summer don't wear cotton anything as it absorbs water and is slow to dry. As socks they are so slow to dry they turn the foot's skin into a wrinkled prune, quick to blister. Wool wicks, cotton absorbs.
5. Take at least two pairs. Wear one during the day, wash it in the evening and put on your clean, dry pair to wear that evening and the following day, after your shower, while the pair just washed dries, perhaps attached to the outside of your pack. Next evening don the clean, dry pair and wash the ones worn that day.