Healthy Feet. A key factor when camping or hunting

No one is aware of the importance of feet until there's a minor cut or injury. Right then we realize how much work our feet do and how complicated is just walking when they are not in good shape! 

That's real in every aspect of life but particularly important when you are camping or hunting, not only because it will be necessary to walk long distances, most of times navigating difficult terrain; but also because you need to carry on a lot of gear and equipment, a very complicated task when you can't walk properly.

The major problem when your feet get hurt during a camping excursion or hunting raid is the impossibility to take your boots off; instead, you need to keep going with a wound enclosed on a wet, warm environment, the perfect scenario for infections.

If we add to this, wet and cold weather, a minor bleb or cut in your feet may get very complicated, leading even to ankle sprains and falls because walking and standing become very painful tasks, your steps are modified and it's easier to lose balance.

That's why keeping feet healthy all along the excursion remains paramount; otherwise, things might get complicated, sometimes very complicated.

So, in order to avoid feet problems during your time outdoors, keep in mind the following tips:

1. Assure proper Insulation
Too much heat or cold will damage your skin, especially cold, so be sure to use proper insulation in order to keep your feet warm.

2. Avoid wet
Wet is the number 1 enemy of skin when it's enclosed inside a boot or shoe, leading to maceration and wounds. Be sure to use proper, transpirable socks to keep your feet as dry as possible.

3. Change your socks regularly
Sometimes it's necessary to change your socks up to two or three times a day. When the fabric gets wet, its physical properties change and may create attrition on the feet skin, leading to minor injuries that later may get complicated.

Changing socks to keep your feet warm and dry is a good strategy to avoid problems.

4. Use high-quality footwear
That's the cornerstone of feet health. High-quality footwear provides proper support, avoids attrition, gives proper insulation, and protects your ankle and feet from elements.

On the other hand, low-quality shoes and boots become your enemy, hurting your feet, generating friction and pressure that ultimately leads to blebs, cuts, and bruises on your feet, jeopardizing not only your feet health but your own safety.

5. Treat injuries promptly
The best option would be to avoid injuries but if they occur, treat cuts and blebs promptly according to first aid guidelines to avoid worsening and complications.

If skin damage or wounds are considerable, or pain is not tolerable, the best choice is to abort the excursion and find medical attention, especially if there's a risk of frostbite or any other severe feet problem.

Remember, your feet are the base of your body and with a weak or damaged base, everything over it is in danger, so keeping your feet healthy must be among your top priorities.