Just before we embarked on our trek across the Andes we were each given a pair of boots to wear. When I tried mine on they were far too tight. I knew I'd never make it down the street wearing them, so I went to some outdoors clothing shops to try a few boots on.
Blisters
It wasn't an easy decision as I wanted a pair that were going to be strong enough to last till the end of the trip, but at the same time I wanted to make sure the pair I chose wouldn't give me blisters. I have an asymmetrical gait because the nerve supply to the muscles of my hips and legs are affected by my cerebral palsy. My left hip is very tight causing my left knee to spring back and left ankle is weak causing my foot to drop a little. My left Achilles tendon is tight and I have to do stretching exercises to ensure it doesn't stiffen up. Sometime I get blistering as I tend to 'claw' my toes when walking.
Before setting out to walk in the mountains, first-time walkers should invest a good pair of walking boots. I don't mean just any pair of walking boots! Take yourself down to your nearest outdoors shop and try lots of different pairs on because that I what I did. You should ask the shop assistants if you can take them and wear them around the house for a few days because this will give you an idea of how you really feel in the boots. Never mind the price of the boots. If you can afford to do so you must aim for maximum comfort and grip. It's about feeling comfortable because the boots will last you for years.
Specialist help
Catriona Taylor who used to be Orthotist and Lecturer, as well as some of her students based at National Centre of Training and Education of Prosthetic and Orthotics at Strathclyde University and the West of Scotland Mobility & Rehabilitation Centre based at the Southern General made me special insoles so as my feet would not become score which helped me tremendously.
I went to the university and they measured my feet, putting plaster on them to make a mould. A few weeks later I visited them again to test and make any alteration to orthotic insoles. Without Catriona and her students' help in making me these orthotics I don't think my feet would have survived the harsh conditions of the Amazon trip. I wear the orthotics on every long trek I do, and they'll be one of the first items I pack for my Ben Nevis walk.
Surgical spirits
A tip someone gave me was to dip my feet in a bowl of surgical spirits for 20 minutes then take them out and try then massage the feet in body lotion this will make your feet more supple. Following this routine your skin will become tougher. I did this before two weeks I headed out on the South America expedition and it certainly helped. As part of the Ben Nevis Challenge build up I'll probably do it every day for two weeks beforehand.
Anyone got any more tips for us as we climb?
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Page first published on Friday 14th March 2008
Page last updated on Thursday 24th July 2008
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