First Aid - Feet & Ankles

FOOT TROUBLE PREVENTION:
Nothing can spoil more surely an outdoor trip then trouble with the feet.
This usually dilemma can often be relieved on the trail by the prompt use of the small ready-made gauze dressing centred on bits of adhesive tape.

If you feel a spot starting to become tender, stop & cover it with as many Band-Aids, as may be needed.
One is usually sufficient, but you will tell best after you start walking again.
Frequently, the danger & annoyance of blistering can thus be avoided. Even after these vesicles have appeared a properly applied dry dressing will many times prevent further friction, &
left on will allow the spot to harden.

It is A MISTAKE to cover a blistered heel with an adhesive tape, as many do, for healthful air is thus excluded and the area beneath is kept moist and soft without any chance to toughen.
If there are already breaks in the skin an infection has all the more opportunity to develop as we have seen happen on more than one occasion.

CARE OF THE FEET:
It is VITALLY IMPORTANT to take proper care of your feet on a walking trip.
A small blister can rub away & become a raw spot & you will be immobilised & your progress be painful & slow.
If the feet show signs of being tender, the skin can be toughened up by urinating on the feet.
When blisters threaten or develop, sticking Band-Aids will prevent their further development, & offer immediate relief.

BEST TREATMENT FOR A BLISTER:
When is has already formed is to thread a piece of clean cotton through the blistered skin, cutting off the thread 1/4" on either side of its point of entry.
This will drain the fluid from the blister but prevent the air from entering. Cover the blister with clean bandage.

INGROWING TOENAILS:
Are another cause of foot trouble.
IMMEDIATE RELIEF CAN BE OBTAINED by scraping the top of the toenail either with a file, rasp, the sharp edge of a knife or even a piece of broken glass.
The top of the nail should be scraped until it is sufficiently thin to be easily depressed with the tip of your finger.

CORNS:
Of course, can be pared down, but a reputable make of corn Band-Aids & avoiding tight-fitting shoes, is the best way to keep free from these troubles and all kinds of others as well.

TWISTED ANKLES:
Are common ailments in rocky country.
If the twist is not too severe, the best thing is to keep on the move, gradually getting the ankle into working order through exercise.
If the twist is severe, sufficient to make the walker completely immobile.
Alternate bathing with very hot water & cold water will stimulate the blood flow & give the patient some relief.
After this treatment, apply a tight bandage & the patient should be able to limp along.
When walking along river courses, it's not advisable to remove your boots. It is slippery and bare foot will make you fall. Best keep wet then broken or twisted ankle or foot.