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Much obliged StephenDarren - welcome to the Forum!
Back in September last year, I posted this comment:
BLISTERS:
This was my 4th camino. On the previous three I needed hospital treatment for severe blistering, which took much of the pleasure from the trek. I have tried all the usual remedies - Vaseline, powder, walking socks, massage, etc etc all to no avail.
This year I decided to use panty liners. If you fellows don't know about panty liners, just ask the lady in your life.
I would place the liner on the floor, sticky side UP, then carefully place my foot down onto it, so that it was at the same angle as my toes - and gave me protection along the ball of the big toe, and across the whole sole of my foot just below the toes. Just position it where you usually get blisters.
On occasion I had to buy the extra long liners/pads from chemists in Spain: the same principle applied, and the ends of the liner were simply folded across the top of my foot. I then put on my normal walking socks.
I am not suggesting for one moment that this will cure everyone's problems. Only that they cured mine. So it might be worth a try.
I also limited my walking distances to average no more than around 22-24 kms a day - occasionally down to 15 kms.
If that helps just one of you to avoid blisters, my time has been well spent.
Buen camino! [Without blisters!]
Saw the worst blisters ever last fall on the bottom of a man's feet - he had walked in the rain for hours, with wet feet, and then pulled the skin off! His feet were raw flesh. A fellow pilgrim suggested pantyliners as well, actually he was suggesting a thicker pad, and putting it sticky side DOWN. The logic was that the pad would absorb blood and other liquid from the wound. He would then tape the pad to the foot with ducktape. I thought it was a brilliant idea.This year I decided to use panty liners... I would place the liner on the floor, sticky side UP,
Afternoon Camino Community,
Later this year I will be walking my Camino and have heard many variations to help against getting blisters but can anyone give there advice from the experience they've had with blisters along the Camino?
Much thanks!
Rub some vaseline, Vick's Vapour Rub, Bag Balm or St-John's wart oil before heading out in the morning. I also apply after my shower at the end of day, but have to be careful since my feet then slip around in my Crocs ;0)
Sounds like a good idea if the blisters have already formed and are open.Saw the worst blisters ever last fall on the bottom of a man's feet - he had walked in the rain for hours, with wet feet, and then pulled the skin off! His feet were raw flesh. A fellow pilgrim suggested pantyliners as well, actually he was suggesting a thicker pad, and putting it sticky side DOWN. The logic was that the pad would absorb blood and other liquid from the wound. He would then tape the pad to the foot with ducktape. I thought it was a brilliant idea.
Would not wish that on my worst ennemy. The poor man. And that was in Deba, and he decided he was walking the next day, one of the toughest stretches on el Norte. Never saw him again, sorry to say.Sounds like a good idea if the blisters have already formed and are open.
Interesting idea, Anemone, but I hope my blisters never reach that stage!!!
Darren - welcome to the Forum!
Back in September last year, I posted this comment:
BLISTERS:
This was my 4th camino. On the previous three I needed hospital treatment for severe blistering, which took much of the pleasure from the trek. I have tried all the usual remedies - Vaseline, powder, walking socks, massage, etc etc all to no avail.
This year I decided to use panty liners. If you fellows don't know about panty liners, just ask the lady in your life.
I would place the liner on the floor, sticky side UP, then carefully place my foot down onto it, so that it was at the same angle as my toes - and gave me protection along the ball of the big toe, and across the whole sole of my foot just below the toes. Just position it where you usually get blisters.
On occasion I had to buy the extra long liners/pads from chemists in Spain: the same principle applied, and the ends of the liner were simply folded across the top of my foot. I then put on my normal walking socks.
I am not suggesting for one moment that this will cure everyone's problems. Only that they cured mine. So it might be worth a try.
I also limited my walking distances to average no more than around 22-24 kms a day - occasionally down to 15 kms.
If that helps just one of you to avoid blisters, my time has been well spent.
Buen camino! [Without blisters!]
Hi Darren,
I agree with Stephen - I had only one minor blister which caused me no pain on our Camino, but my wife struggled and had to resort to sandals at times.
The main blistering was on the front or just under the 2 smaller toes. The best prevention was taping them up with plaster every morning to minimise the friction. It takes a few minutes and a day or two to figure out how exactly how to place them best, but is worth the extra time.
I'll also second taking sandals along as a backup - having sandals means that you can possibly keep on walking on the days your blisters are recovering, instead of having to stop completely.
If you have the time, limit your walking to 20-25km a day - the risk of blisters grows exponentially on long days.
A last point than many people overlook - pack light! Every extra kg increases the pressure on your feet and your chance of blistering.
Regards,
Drew
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