I am convinced, now more than ever, that even our most complex issues in life can have ridiculously simple solutions. I find this to be true for every aspect, even taking a walk. Whether on a short stroll through a park or on a multi-day trek, I routinely practice these easy guidelines I have learned through the years to remedy sudden snags. Here are five tips to keep your body feeling good and your feet happy!
*Ok, so maybe this first “tip” isn’t a new one, but it is SO helpful, I must mention it here as it inspired this whole blog. Ha! You know how nearly everything that goes wrong can be fixed with computers and other electronic equipment by closing everything down, turning it off, and then turning it back on again? Well, in my opinion, this is the walker’s equivalent. When I get any sort of tweak or sudden pain, a “hot spot,” or discomfort in my feet, or even in the knees, I simply take off my shoes. Seriously, it’s so easy, but it works nearly every time. I take BOTH boots, socks, and sock liners off and give my feet a little rest.
*Which leads me to the next part of this “technique.” After my feet are dry, cool, and feeling rejuvenated, I put everything back on, ensuring there are no wrinkles or bunched-up sock/liner material around the heel or toes, and then slip my boots back on to re-lace. While being mindful that the tongue of the shoe is even and straight, not off to one side, and the heel is securely in place at the back of the shoe, tie the laces fairly snug… not foot numbingly tight, but supportively snug. Almost all footwear begins to loosen up as soon as you start walking, so this is a good practice on any walk or hike. And that is it! Easy, huh? It never ceases to amaze me how often this works, and the pain completely disappears.
* Some of these may seem super obvious, but maybe you just haven’t thought of it before now. Perhaps you haven’t had the sudden revelation that comes with hooking a loose shoelace on a root that instantly, and potentially violently, throws you face down on the ground! Keeping your shoe or boot laces tied snugly and ensuring you don’t have long loops from a floppy bow (possibly double-tied with extra-long laces) will safeguard you from facing this painful phenomenon (lol, pun intended). As devilishly entertaining (meanie!) as it is to watch someone else do a “faceplant,” I don’t recommend it.
*Although this one may take a minute or two to make it a habit, it’s totally worth remembering. Pick those knees up! That’s right, picking your feet up higher, while keeping your back as straight as possible (no, not like a robot, silly – relax!) will significantly benefit your overall walking technique. Visualize all your movement and power originating from the larger muscle groups- your quads, glutes, thighs, and core muscles, and cultivate the habit of picking your feet up just a little higher. By practicing this subtle movement, your feet and body will maximize efficiency, tone muscles, and most importantly, minimize stumbling, even on the rockiest, rootiest terrain! Don’t worry! You won’t feel silly for long, especially when your dexterity dramatically improves, and you hike like a smooth-running machine!
*Are you a short sock or a crew sock fan? If you are like me and wear boots with higher socks, be aware of how your sock will eventually surrender itself to gravity and begin scrunching up at the top of your shoe/boot. If you anticipate it falling, you can use the material to pad boney shin bones or fold it down to cushion any discomfort at the top of your boot. Just make sure the material is even and not causing wrinkles further down in the heel area. The tiniest bit of loose material can rub a blister in no time at all.
However, if you have chronic pain or continue to feel a “hot spot,” it is essential to immediately address the issue to prevent blisters or other more serious concerns. Sometimes, the problem really is the shoe. It could be the wrong size, or it just doesn’t fit your foot properly. Or believe it or not, the type, material, or size of your sock may be the problem. Whatever it is, fix the glitches, so walking remains a source of joy, peace, and good health!
For detailed information about keeping your feet and body happy, check out the chapter “All About Feet” in my book, WildWood Magic: A Guide to Walking as a Sacred Path.
Happy walking, friends!
xoCollin
