Red feet

Margie Macdonald · Jul 28, 2016

Hi. I'm leaving for my Camino in early September and have a foot problem. I've been training in my boots and lined socks for months, but just recently, after walking in the heat and further/longer than usual, the tops of my feet are turning red and warm and remain red for about 24 hours; there is no pain. Is this a "hot spot"? This may be a result of swelling so that the tops of my feet rub against the top of my boots. I'm hesitant to get new boots as there is little time to wear them in. Any suggestions? Many thanks for any advice, Margie

SabsP · Jul 28, 2016

Margie Macdonald said:
Hi. I'm leaving for my Camino in early September and have a foot problem. I've been training in my boots and lined socks for months, but just recently, after walking in the heat and further/longer than usual, the tops of my feet are turning red and warm and remain red for about 24 hours; there is no pain. Is this a "hot spot"? This may be a result of swelling so that the tops of my feet rub against the top of my boots. I'm hesitant to get new boots as there is little time to wear them in. Any suggestions? Many thanks for any advice, Margie

Hi Margie,

It could be a bit of everything.
But please consult a gp or health practioner just to be on the safe side.
Good luck.

C clearly · Jul 28, 2016

It sounds to me (with no medical training) like a variation on hikers' rash, golfers' vasculitis, etc. (Search those terms here and on google.) Sometimes when I get the rash on my calves, I also have redness on the tops of my feet. It is generally nothing to worry about, although it is unsightly! Experimenting with different socks might help.

shubertj · Jul 28, 2016

Margie Macdonald said:
Hi. I'm leaving for my Camino in early September and have a foot problem. I've been training in my boots and lined socks for months, but just recently, after walking in the heat and further/longer than usual, the tops of my feet are turning red and warm and remain red for about 24 hours; there is no pain. Is this a "hot spot"? This may be a result of swelling so that the tops of my feet rub against the top of my boots. I'm hesitant to get new boots as there is little time to wear them in. Any suggestions? Many thanks for any advice, Margie

My guess is it is a form of "heat rash" the clue being the longer and hotter walks. Have you seen any signs of it being around your ankles under your socks are your socks get wet from sweat when walking?

My wife gets it so bad it looks like she is bleeding under her skin. We live in Houston were a lot of our hiking is done in the extreme heat and humidity. She solved her problem by stopping a lot changing her socks several times a day and airing out her feet when we stop. She also changed her boots from goretex to non waterproof ones which dry out faster and are cooler.

jsalt · Jul 28, 2016

Margie Macdonald said:
Is this a "hot spot"?

Hi, no, a “hot spot” is a small spot, anywhere on your foot, that will develop into a blister if you don’t stop immediately and prevent the friction, or rubbing, that is causing the blister to form. The culprit could be, for example, an ill-fitting sock, or a grain of sand wedged between your heel and the back of your boot.

shubertj · Jul 29, 2016

This is heat rash only 6 miles in Houston summer !

Michael Glennon · Jul 29, 2016

If you feel you want to change your boots but are worried about wear in time drop the idea of wearing boots altogether and get trail runners. I highly recommend Saucony Peregrine 6 there is virtually no run in time and they are so light on your feet. They have comfortable padding, fantastic traction, a soft sole and are quick drying.
Check out this article from Clever Hiker called "5 reasons to ditch your hiking boots"
http://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/ditch-boots

Anemone del Camino · Jul 29, 2016

A) Go see a doctor or podiatrist.

B), since you'll be walking in earsly september, consider walking in sandals. More air, less heat.

C) Consider ditching the liner and use a simple pair of wool socks.

Best of luck. You are lucky to have gotten this problem now and not on route.

luvtraveling · Jul 29, 2016

I also had this problem. It was solved by ditching the wool socks that are so highly recommended by just about everyone!

OzAnnie · Jul 30, 2016

Margie Macdonald said:
Hi. I'm leaving for my Camino in early September and have a foot problem. I've been training in my boots and lined socks for months, but just recently, after walking in the heat and further/longer than usual, the tops of my feet are turning red and warm and remain red for about 24 hours; there is no pain. Is this a "hot spot"? This may be a result of swelling so that the tops of my feet rub against the top of my boots. I'm hesitant to get new boots as there is little time to wear them in. Any suggestions? Many thanks for any advice, Margie

Hi Margie
I think you gave yourself a 'good test run' taking it longer and in the heat. You will encounter similar 'long' walks and hot walking in September, Spain.
Mine swell and overheat in same area as yours given the conditions,( hot walking, carrying weight and specially if boots are goretex plus, I believe you have double layer socks) . Equals very 'Toasty' feet.
If you don't want to change the boots to more breathable ones, make sure you stop more frequently, take to boots off and cool your feet off. If you see water or pass by stream, cool feet in that or tap etc. If you can elevate feet , this helps plus ice.

Always keep up your fluid intake in the heat too .
Buen Camino
Annie.

John Sikora · Jul 30, 2016

Have to agree with others. Sounds like an early heat rash. I'd ditch the boots and wool socks (if they are heavy). My feet were prone to blisters until I stopped using boots and the standard wool socks and went with trail shoes and 1000 mile socks (very lit wool and synthetic liner blend). No blisters and no hot feet.

Richard Ray · Jul 30, 2016

Margie Macdonald said:
Hi. I'm leaving for my Camino in early September and have a foot problem. I've been training in my boots and lined socks for months, but just recently, after walking in the heat and further/longer than usual, the tops of my feet are turning red and warm and remain red for about 24 hours; there is no pain. Is this a "hot spot"? This may be a result of swelling so that the tops of my feet rub against the top of my boots. I'm hesitant to get new boots as there is little time to wear them in. Any suggestions? Many thanks for any advice, Margie

Dear Margie,

I will start in September as well, and my prepartory walks have resulted in the same red foot condition. I think it is "prickly heat." I have found that soaking my feet in cool water for 20 minutes following my walks has helped quite a bit. And the more I train, the less the problem becomes. Hope this helps.

Rich

valcamino.67 · Jul 30, 2016

shubertj said:
My guess is it is a form of "heat rash" the clue being the longer and hotter walks. Have you seen any signs of it being around your ankles under your socks are your socks get wet from sweat when walking?

My wife gets it so bad it looks like she is bleeding under her skin. We live in Houston were a lot of our hiking is done in the extreme heat and humidity. She solved her problem by stopping a lot changing her socks several times a day and airing out her feet when we stop. She also changed her boots from goretex to non waterproof ones which dry out faster and are cooler.

I have the same problem, my feet and ankles get a really red rash, not sore but takes a couple of days to go down...not sure if it is the socks or my sensitive skin...never had this problem till I started wearing marino wool socks and hiking in warm weather for 3/4 hours.

MichelleElynHogan · Jul 30, 2016

1) See your Doctore
2) Consider allowing enough space in your pack for your boots toward the end of the Camnio and look to wearing walking sandals to start.
3) Keen Whisper Walking sandals are mid range pricewise. I just got a pair last week and will start Sep 1/16 at St Jean. These sandals were well sized and I have not had to break them in at all. Very comfortable and designed to get wet and dry out quickly.

Buen Camino

dougfitz · Jul 31, 2016

This sounds like exercise induced vacilitus, which is not generally caused by contact. If it is, changing footwear or your socks won't make a lot of difference. However, you should be seeking professional medical advice if you are concerned.

Margie Macdonald · Jul 31, 2016

Thank you so much for all yoor help! This forum is fabulous. I'm trying lots of things you have suggested and am also seeing my doctor.THANK YOU THANK YOU.

Ernesto.IT · Sep 4, 2016

Margie Macdonald said:
Hi. I'm leaving for my Camino in early September and have a foot problem. I've been training in my boots and lined socks for months, but just recently, after walking in the heat and further/longer than usual, the tops of my feet are turning red and warm and remain red for about 24 hours; there is no pain. Is this a "hot spot"? This may be a result of swelling so that the tops of my feet rub against the top of my boots. I'm hesitant to get new boots as there is little time to wear them in. Any suggestions? Many thanks for any advice, Margie

Hi Margie, whenever I ware new boots for the first two or three time I always damp (even wet) and wear my socks, and the problem goes away. Maybe it will work for you to.
Buen Camino

Margie Macdonald · Sep 5, 2016

Ernesto.IT said:
Hi Margie, whenever I ware new but for the first two or three time I always damp (even wet)my socks and the problem goes away. Maybe it will work for you to.
Buen Camino

Thank you. The problem seems to be lessening. I leave Canada on Tuesday - can't wait!!!

Hiawatha · Sep 5, 2016

No matter what sort of sock you use always be very careful to use a mild bar soap or even better, a liquid Eucalyptus wash on them . Rinse at least twice afterwards before hanging to dry . Any residual washing powder will cause all manner of problems in socks ; rashes and the provision of a fungus friendly environment are only two .

Yellowfriend · Oct 27, 2016

shubertj said:
My guess is it is a form of "heat rash" the clue being the longer and hotter walks. Have you seen any signs of it being around your ankles under your socks are your socks get wet from sweat when walking?

My wife gets it so bad it looks like she is bleeding under her skin. We live in Houston were a lot of our hiking is done in the extreme heat and humidity. She solved her problem by stopping a lot changing her socks several times a day and airing out her feet when we stop. She also changed her boots from goretex to non waterproof ones which dry out faster and are cooler.

I had the same . The meainings about goretex are very different from person to person. I thought also maybe the goretex caused this problem. When your WiFi changed shoes she doesn't have that red spots anymore?

Yellowfriend · Oct 27, 2016

Yellowfriend said:
I had the same . The meainings about goretex are very different from person to person. I thought also maybe the goretex caused this problem. When your WiFi changed shoes she doesn't have that red spots anymore?

WiFi is Wife

Yellowfriend · Oct 27, 2016

shubertj said:
This is heat rash only 6 miles in Houston summer !

I had the same, also at my ancles under my socks. What is the best way to cure it?

C clearly · Oct 27, 2016

Yellowfriend said:
I had the same, also at my ancles under my socks. What is the best way to cure it?

Mine clears up in 3 days if I remove the conditions that cause it. I didn't suffer from it on the camino. From my reading, there is no other commonly agreed cure.

Yellowfriend · Oct 27, 2016

C clearly said:
Mine clears up in 3 days if I remove the conditions that cause it. I didn't suffer from it on the camino. From my reading, there is no other commonly agreed cure.

What did you change and remove?
Thank you

C clearly · Oct 27, 2016

Yellowfriend said:
What did you change and remove?
Thank you

I didn't walk 20 km for those days. I dont know what would happen if I continued to walk in the same conditions.

I believe that heat is a factor, and wearing shorter socks helps a bit in my case.

shubertj · Nov 8, 2016

Yellowfriend said:
I had the same, also at my ancles under my socks. What is the best way to cure it?

Yellowfriend,
The goretex treatment makes your feet hotter because of the waterproofing. The non goretex shoes breathe better and also dry out faster.

My wife also soaks her feet in cold water when possible and it helps clear up the red rashes faster . She still gets it but controls it better. She also puts ice in a bandanna and ties it around her ankle when we stop.

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