Foot Care

[Lisa Kraus]

Though ideally, we want to prevent blisters and keep our feet happy, we should always prepare for those nasty blisters.  

Most of the people who had blisters, got them because they were too stubborn to stop and investigate a hot spot before it got out of control.  I myself had several hot spots that I was careful to keep covered with a simple band-aid so that they wouldn't rub against my shoes.  That seemed to work for me.  The key is, if it hurts, stop and take care of it--don't wait for it to get worse.  

A European trick that I saw on the Camino, though I didn't actually have to try it, was to use a needle to thread an iodine soaked piece of thread through a bad blister at night.  They then left the thread inside the wound until morning.  This wicking effect allows the blister's fluid to completely drain.  It seemed to work for them, so it's something to keep in mind.  

Thanks to all who have provided preventitive measures--I'm going to have to try the Vaseline trick next time.  

Buen Camino,

Lisa Kraus

lmkraus at doane.edu