Hikers and hunters: Long, vigorous hikes take toll on feet, ankles

As brightly colored leaves dazzle the fall landscape, hikers and hunters nationwide will migrate to mountains, woods and fields, but many, unfortunately, are ill prepared for the beating their feet will take.

Hikers, hunters and others who love the outdoors often don’t realize how strenuous it can be to withstand constant, vigorous walking on uneven terrain. Lax physical conditioning and inappropriate footwear bring scores of outdoor enthusiasts into physician offices each fall for treatment of foot and ankle problems such as chronic heel pain, ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, fungal infections and severe blisters.

Walking up and down steep hillsides and tramping through wet, slippery fields and wooded areas puts stress on the muscles and tendons in the feet and ankles, especially if un-conditioned properly before hitting the trail. Also, many don’t realize that cross-training athletic shoes aren’t the best choice for extended hiking and hunting, that well constructed hiking boots are a better choice.

Hikers and hunters must invest in top-quality hiking boots: Boots that are strong, well insulated, moisture-proof with steel or graphite shanks. The supportive shank decreases strain on the arch by allowing the boot to distribute impact as the foot moves forward. So if a boot bends in the middle, don’t buy it.

In wet and cold weather, wearing the right socks can help prevent blisters, fungal infections and frostbite. Synthetic socks should be utilized as the first layer to keep the feet dry and reduce blister-causing friction. The second layer should consist of wool socks, to maintain warmth, absorb moisture away from the skin and help make the hiking boot more comfortable.

What happens if your feet or ankles hurt during a hike or hunt? Pain usually occurs from overuse, even from just walking. If you’re not accustomed to walking on sloped or uneven ground, your legs and feet will get tired and cause muscles and tendons to ache. To avoid a serious injury, such as a severe ankle sprain or an Achilles tendon rupture, rest for awhile if you start hurting. Pain is a warning sign that something is wrong. Serious injury risk escalates significantly if you continue hiking in pain.

Evaluation is recommended if there is persistent pain following a hiking or hunting outing, therefore please give our office a call for evaluation, 440-946-5858.