When Hikers Need To See The Foot Doctor

Hiking is a great exercise that can provide you with an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, stretch your legs, and get better acquainted with nature. However, it can be hard on your feet at times, especially because the footing can be uneven and harsh. Sometimes even the strongest hikers develop foot problems that warrant treatment from a foot doctor. Here are some signs that you, as a hiker, should make an appointment with a foot doctor.

Blisters that won't heal.

Blisters are common for hikers. You might develop one after spending an hour or two in wet shoes, or after wearing boots that are not well broken in. Usually, blisters heal on their own within a week or two. But if your blisters are not healing, you should absolutely see a foot doctor. The blisters may be infected, and the infection could be slowing down the healing process. Or, your other shoes may be putting pressure on the blisters, thwarting the healing process. A foot doctor can look at your feet, determine why your blisters are not healing, and recommend some treatments and lifestyle changes to encourage them to heal.

Ongoing pain in your arch.

If your arches sometimes get sore after long or demanding hikes, this is not too unusual. However, ongoing pain in your arch that persists even after you take a few rest days is another matter. Pain in the arch and heel is often due to plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. Both of these problems can persist for months or years if you don't pursue proper treatment. You may need specialized orthotics to adjust the way you stand on your feet. Or, you may need a cortisone injection to encourage the damaged tissues to heal. Just make sure you see a podiatrist soon before your altered gait, due to the arch pain, leads to further injuries.

Pinpoint pain in the top of your foot.

If you ever develop pain on the top of your foot that is concentrated on one spot and hurts way worse when you press on that spot, see a foot doctor. This type of pain is usually due to a stress fracture, which is a tiny fracture caused by repeated force on the same spot. Stress fractures often occur in long-distance hikers who tackle a lot of mileage all at once. Your foot doctor can take an x-ray, determine if there really is a fracture, and if so, recommend a boot for you to wear as the injury heals.

Hiking is fun, but it can be hard on your feet. Make sure you see a foot doctor when needed.