FOOT CARE TIPS FOR HIKERS

At our senior living center in Denver, Colorado, we organize a busy activities calendar to keep residents active. One of the activities that we schedule is organizing day hikes to soak in the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The City of Denver also has created hundreds of miles of trails within city limits.

When you hike, you need to take several steps to maximize the enjoyment of viewing your surroundings. One of the most important steps to take involves foot care tips for hikers.

Protect Against Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis represents an injury that develops from over-exertion. The annoying initial pain can turn into a debilitating injury that slows down or even ends the hiking season. It is an inflammation in the ligament that runs across the bottom of both feet. At our assisted living facility in Denver, we encourage residents to take it easy during the first few hikes of the season to build up strength in both feet, as well as stamina throughout the entire body. 

Prevent Blisters

Blisters can develop all over the foot caused by friction generated with hiking shoes. However, blisters most often develop between two or more toes. You can prevent blisters by first cutting your toenails short to avoid toes scraping against a hiking boot to account for large toenails. If you hike using a certain gait that causes friction between two or more toes, place a barrier such as a band-aid between the toes to cushion the friction generated while you hike.

Use Insoles

Insoles offer two significant health benefits for hikers. First, they provide sufficient cushion for both feet to absorb blows. Second, they help keep both feet stable even when you hike over rugged terrain. Wearing two socks on each foot also provides the cushion you need to prevent the feet from sustaining strong impacts.

Sock Material Matters

Wool socks represent the most popular choice for hikers of all ages, but you need to select the right material to maximize the comfort and health benefits. Hiking socks designed with Merino wool do the best job of preventing the development of blisters, as well as providing superior breathability. The last thing you want is to hike with damp feet. If you plan to hike in wet conditions, neoprene or Merino wool socks should keep both feet dry. You also should change into dry socks whenever you feel your feet turning damp.

Break in Hiking Shoes

When you shop for hiking shoes at a store, you probably try on different pairs and then walk around the store to assess comfort and stability. However, you need much more time to break in a pair of hiking shoes to enhance comfort and stability when you are out on a trail. Break in a pair of hiking shoes by wearing them for a couple of hikes on a trail defined as “easy.”

Enjoy the Activities Calendar at MorningStar-Observatory Park

Retirement communities all over Denver boast about their activities calendar. Nonetheless, we are proud of the diverse nature of the activities calendar at our senior living center in Denver. We schedule organized day hikes, as well as encourage residents to take advantage of the natural splendor nearby by going on hikes together.