Friday, November 16, 2018

Preventing Blisters when Hiking


Kumuena Tekasala, an occupational therapist in Canada, received his bachelor’s in kinesiology and master’s in occupational therapy from the University of Manitoba. He most recently leveraged this education to support students with disabilities and other special needs as an occupational therapist at River East Transcona School Division. Outside of work, Kumuena Tekasala enjoys hiking.

Blisters are a common issue among hikers. Although small, a blister creates a great deal of pain and is caused by moisture, heat, and friction. One of the best ways to prevent blisters from forming is by wearing the right hiking boots. Good footwear fits comfortably tight around the foot, thus ensuring it does not move in the shoe, while leaving some room between the end of the shoe and the tips of the toes.

Moisture-wicking socks are also essential. These socks should fit snugly around the foot and can be of varying thicknesses. Some hikers may prefer thicker socks thanks to the additional cushioning they provide.

Hikers should always break in their hiking boots before going on a trek, especially if the boots are made of leather. Hikers can wear their boots around the house, during brief walks around the neighborhood, or to the grocery store, allowing them to soften and conform to the feet.