Getting blisters is one of the most common things that happen after a good, long hike. There are lots of different tips and advice out there when it comes to dealing with blisters and taking care of your feet before you set off on a hike.
But not everything is effective. You want to make sure that you do everything right when taking care of your feet so you not only heal faster but can also prevent sore toenails after hiking.
When you take all the necessary precautions before your hiking journey, you will notice that the hike will be a lot more fun because you will be comfortable throughout.
Your feet are your best friends in such excursions, and it will be in your favour if you treat them instead of letting soreness and pain taint an adventurous occasion.
We have rounded up some great and effective tips that will help you take care of your feet during or after a hike:
Wear proper shoes
You’ll be surprised to hear this but the majority of foot problems are caused because the person will not be wearing the right shoes.
Not only should you invest in the right type of shoe, but you should also size up from your usual size. This is so that you ensure that your toes don’t rub against the front of the shoe which will protect your toenails.
Wearing the wrong shoe is the worst thing you can do to yourself, especially if the hike is a long one. It can not only result in sore toenails but it can actually break them off.
Sounds painful right? This is exactly why you should choose shoes of the right quality and the right size and also make sure they are appropriate for hiking.
I would also like to mention that you shouldn’t blindly go off of someone’s recommendation because everyone has different feet. What works for someone may not work for you and could damage your feet.
Wear the right socks
Just like the shoes are important, so are your socks when you are on a hike. You have to make sure that you are wearing socks that are clean inside and out.
Any debris or organic matter present in your socks can rub against your feet, even if you think your socks are clean.
Your socks should also be completely dry, so it is important that you either change socks during hikes if they get too sweaty, or let them air out during breaks.
Moist socks can cause infections and macerations, which is the last thing we want on a hike.
This is why it is recommended to wear waterproof socks and shoes. But even then, you will want to make sure that you don’t get your feet wet.
Do stretching exercises
Stretching is important before any type of physical exercise, and it is just as important before you set off on the hike.
Take the time to stretch every day, so your feet can have a better motion range and don’t get uncomfortable quickly.
The process of stretching prevents soreness and tightness in muscles, and it also allows your body to warm up.
It can be potentially dangerous to go off on a hike without stretching at all, as your muscles won’t be prepared for such intense excursions.
Soak your feet in water
This is the most important thing that you have to do at the end of a long hike.
Place your feet in a water bath and the colder the water is, the better it will be for your feet. The cold water will provide relief for your feet and prevent any type of inflammation.
It will also feel extremely soothing.
If you don’t have access to an ice bath, simply soak your feet in a lake that you come across. It will be refreshing for both you and your feet after a tiring hike.
Hiking can be very fun but if you don’t take care of yourself, it can be potentially dangerous. We want to make sure that our bodies are prepared before we indulge in intense adventures such as a hike.
