Nordic Walking Safety – Blisters
It is said that our feet are the body part which is most abused… and we are not yet talking about engaging our feet in strenuous walking. We walk virtually every single day, and some of us put very little attention and care when it comes to our feet. Just imagine the situation you are putting your feet into if you Nordic walk. Since you are using your feet in this activity, it is only right to put extra care in our feet and make the necessary precautions to ensure that your most abused body part will be kept safe and in good condition.
One feet condition that most Nordic walkers should be aware of is the occurrence of Blisters. In this section, learn the causes and symptoms of Blisters and know how to keep your feet Blister-free:
Causes
Blisters result from heat, friction and/or moisture on your feet. Heat is caused by the friction which happens when your skin rubs your footwear. Moreover, sand can augment the friction that will eventually cause Blisters.
Moisture is another culprit. Since it softens the skin, moist or wet feet are more likely to have Blisters.
Inappropriate kind of shoes can also cause Blisters.
Symptoms
A Blister usually occurs on, but not limited to, the feet. It is characterized as a reddish lump in skin which is usually filled with clear fluid or blood in some cases.
Prevention
It takes common sense to know that you can prevent the occurrence of Blisters by avoiding the factors that cause them. For a Blister- and pain-free Nordic walk, here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
- Wear shoes which are designed primarily for walking. As with all other types of footwear, what matters is whether you feel comfortable wearing them or not. What they look like should not be your top consideration.
- Wear socks which are made from moisture-wicking material/s. Having an extra pair may help if you have sweaty feet.
- Apply Moleskin to spots which are prone to have Blisters.
- Using cornstarch, foot powder, or other substances that are known to absorb moisture can help a lot in keeping your feet dry.
- Cool off when necessary. If you feel that your feet might be moist or too warm, take a rest and take off your shoes.
Do not let Blisters ruin your Nordic walk. All you need to know is how these occur and how to avoid having to deal with them. Take care of your feet by following the necessary measures and have a pain-free Nordic Walking day!
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