[pct-l] Re: Harriet and Love Barge

[sue.kettles at comcast.net (sue.kettles@comcast.net)]

Very exciting to hear about thru-hikers finishing after such a difficult start.  Does anyone else out there think this was one of the more difficult years, if not the most difficult year to attempt a thru hike???
Another question.  Does anyone out there know of a good podiatrist in the Portland, Or. area who understands long distance hiker foot problems?  I hiked two months this summer and have had more issues this year than any other. I tried doing lower mileage (12-15s) and that helps some, but how do you do a thru hkie on such low mileage?? I experienced numbness and throbbing pain that kept me awake at night on the trail.  I use super-feet orthotics.  I tried light weight boots one month, then  trail runners the next.  My pack weight without food was 23 pounds.   After 6 weeks away from the trail, I still wake up with swollen feet and if I go for a day hike, I pay a price for over 10 miles.  I am 49 so maybe it just comes with age, but I see all those 60+ folks still going strong.  Any advice?From sue.kettles at comcast.net  Tue Oct 11 12:08:40 2005
From: sue.kettles at comcast.net (sue.kettles@comcast.net)
Date: Tue Oct 11 13:11:44 2005
Subject: [pct-l] (no subject)
Message-ID: <101120051808.21533.434BFFA7000D0E660000541D22007340769C0A049B9B0A05D20A9A9C@comcast.net>

Anyone out there know of a good podiatrist in the Portland, Or. area who is good with long distance hiker problems?  During my two months on the trail, I experienced such foot pain and swelling it was hard to continue.  It would keep me awake at night - is that normal and just part of the hikers way of life?  I've been out for 3 weeks before and no pain like this. 

I carry a 23 pound base weight, use super feet orthotics, tried light weight boots as well as trail runners.  I'm 49 so maybe its age related, but I see all those 60+ folks still going strong and wonder is there something else I can do to make the walk enjoyable again.  After 6 weeks home, I still wake up with swollen feet.  Any suggestions?From chrisdonlee at hotmail.com  Tue Oct 11 12:23:21 2005
From: chrisdonlee at hotmail.com (Chris Lee)
Date: Tue Oct 11 13:26:20 2005
Subject: [pct-l] Foot Pain
Message-ID: <BAY103-DAV78B019DF012DFBAD5FC8EA5780@phx.gbl>

As far as the foot doctor goes, do your research.  I recently worked for a running store in the dallas/ft. worth area and we worked very closely with many podiatrists in the area.  I can tell you from first hand experience, not all podiatrist are created equal.  Do your homework first.  Get recommendations from friends.  Maybe even find a running store in Portland and give them a call.  There should be at least one. 

As far as your injury, I can't say that is normal.  You need to see a doctor.  I would start with RICE - Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate.  Rest it, obvious.  Ice for 20 min. at a time, then take a 40 min break and repeat if you want.  Compress with an ace bandage.  Elevate you foot above your head.  That should help with the swelling and pain.  Get to a doctor as soon as you can.

Chris Lee