Caring For Your Feet
 
 
Your feet bear both your weight and that of your load.  Not only must you harden your feet by wearing in your boots properly, but you must also pay attention to their welfare throughout the day.
 
Cutting toenails 
Using a large clipper, cut your toenails short and straight across.  Long toenails may tear off or cause bruising of the end of the toes.  They also increase wear on the toes of your socks.

Washing
Feet always sweat in thick socks and hiking boots, encouraging the growth of microbes.  Wash your feet, preferably with soap, at least once every day, cleaning your toenails thoroughly.

 

Drying
Dry your feet rigorously with a rough towel or rag.  After drying, expose your feet to the sun and fresh air, taking care to avoid sunburn.

 

Powdering
Rub an anti fungal foot powder in between your toes to prevent athlete’s foot.  To treat athlete’s foot, remove any loose skin and rub in anti fungal gel.

 

Foot massage
A long walk carrying weight tends to spread out your feet, straining and tiring the bones, muscles and ligaments.  You can combat this effect with massage, grasping each foot with both hands and rubbing firmly with the thumbs.  massage is also good for restoring circulation and relieving the itching that poor circulation can cause.