By Timothy M. Mooney, DPM

Timothy M. Mooney, DPM Timothy M. Mooney, DPM, is a doctor of podiatric medicine whose office is located at 15 McCabe Drive, Suite 203, in Reno. For more information on foot conditions affecting athletes and children, or for questions about foot injuries caused by hiking, go to www.renofeet.com or contact Dr. Mooney at 284-3668.

As leaves and wildflowers begin to dazzle the spring landscape, hikers will migrate to mountains, woods and fields, but many, unfortunately, are ill prepared for the beating their feet will take.

"Hikers and others who love the outdoors often don't realize how strenuous it can be to withstand constant, vigorous walking on uneven terrain," said Timothy M. Mooney, DPM, podiatrist and a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). "Lax physical conditioning and inappropriate footwear bring scores of outdoor enthusiasts into our office for treatment of foot and ankle problems, including chronic heel pain, ankle sprains, Achilles tendinitis, fungal infections and severe blisters.

"Walking up and down steep hillsides and tramping through wet, slippery fields and wooded areas puts stress on the muscles and tendons in the feet and ankles, especially if you haven't conditioned yourself properly before hitting the trail," said Dr. Mooney. "Also, many people don't realize that cross-training athletic shoes aren't the best choice for extended hiking and hunting. If some of my patients had worn sturdy, well-constructed hiking boots, they wouldn't have suffered sprained ankles or strained Achilles tendons."

Give cheap boots the boot
Dr. Mooney advises hikers to make the investment in top-quality hiking boots. Strong, well-insulated and moisture-proof boots with steel or graphite shanks offer excellent ankle and foot support that help lessen stress and muscle fatigue to reduce injury risk. "The supportive shank decreases strain on the arch by allowing the boot to distribute impact as the foot moves forward," Dr. Mooney said. "If a boot bends in the middle, don't buy it."

In wet and cold weather, wearing the right socks can help prevent blisters, fungal infections and frostbite. Dr. Mooney recommends synthetic socks as the first layer to keep the feet dry and reduce blister-causing friction. For the second layer, wool socks add warmth, absorb moisture away from the skin, and help make the hiking boot more comfortable. "Wool lets moisture evaporate more readily than cotton, so fewer blisters develop," he said.

Trailside treatment
What happens if your feet or ankles hurt during a hike? Dr. Mooney stated that pain usually occurs from overuse, even from just walking. "If you're not accustomed to walking on sloped or uneven ground, your legs and feet will get tired and cause muscles and tendons to ache," he said. "To avoid a serious injury, such as a severe ankle sprain or an Achilles tendon rupture, rest for a while if you start hurting."

According to the ACFAS Web site, www.FootPhysicians.com, pain is a warning sign that something is wrong. "Serious injury risk escalates significantly if you continue hiking in pain," Dr. Mooney said. He likened hiking to skiing, in that beginners should take on less difficult trails until they become better conditioned and more confident.

Evaluation by a foot and ankle surgeon is recommended if pain persists following a hike. "I'm most concerned about ankle instability and strained Achilles tendons. Inattention to these problems at their early stages may lead to a serious injury that will keep you off the trails for a long time," said Dr. Mooney.

Northern Nevada Medical Center 2375 E. Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89434 775-331-7000