Ready to go on an adventure? This spring, it’s time to get out and get active. Camping is just one of many activities a family can participate in to venture outside. According to the National Park Service, “spring brings flowers, new life, and the anticipation of summer.” Along with packing sleeping bags and bug spray, proper footcare needs to be considered. Here’s a list of 4 everyday foot injuries while camping to keep in mind and prevent from occurring.
Blisters
After taking a long walk, blisters may start to form somewhere on your feet. A few main suspects to their formation include friction, pressure, or sweat. These three elements can easily be found in thick socks and hiking boots during a campout. To avoid an infection, blisters should be left alone or wrapped with a bandage. Preventative steps like changing out of wet socks can really make a difference when it comes to avoiding blisters and foot pain.
Sprained Ankles
To sprain your ankle means to hyperextend or tear the ligaments holding the ankle together. These will most likely occur when someone rolls or twists an ankle. While camping, this is a common injury. Wearing the proper shoes is typically the first important step with any foot injury. When it comes to ankles, shoes need to have reinforcement properties in the heel, arch, and toe. Also, watch where you are going – there are plenty of places in the woods that feet can get stuck in.
Plantar Fasciitis
The arch is responsible for a lot of movement in the foot. That’s why plantar fasciitis can also be found in the woods. While walking or hiking, people experiencing a burning sensation in the middle of their feet need to stop and rest. It’s possible that the plantar fascia has been torn to some extent. Pushing through the pain could lead to more damage that will be tougher to fix later. Wearing custom orthotics is one way to support the foot and prevent or ease pain.
Ingrown Toenails
When the toenail grows into the skin instead of on top of it, that is known as an ingrown toenail. Causes from camping or hiking include walking down slopes while putting pressure of the toenails inside of shoes. This pressure can result in broken or bruised toenails that may grow back improperly. Left untreated, the ingrown nail can cause a break in the skin, which may allow bacteria to enter and cause a localized infection. Keeping toenails short by using clippers is essential to avoiding this painful condition.
Are you prepared for your next camping trip when it comes to your feet? After reading this list, we hope so! But if anything should happen to your feet or ankles while in the great outdoors, come talk to one of our knowledgeable doctors at The Foot & Ankle Center. They have years of experience working with people just like you. Call us today at (314) 487-9300 to schedule an appointment.