Choosing the Right Footwear for Hiking and Preventing Pain
Footwear is an essential part of your hiking experience.
Last time you hit the trails, what footwear for hiking did you wear? Your feet play a key role in nearly everything you do, especially when it comes to activities like hiking. In fact, wearing the wrong shoes during physical activity can put you at risk of issues like stress fractures and sprained ankles.
Fortunately, finding the right footwear for hiking doesn’t have to be difficult! If you have a foot condition already or are searching for ways to prevent an injury, our physiotherapists at CN Physiotherapy in Ottawa can help you manage symptoms or learn which hiking boots are right for you.
Call us today to get started!
Which Footwear for Hiking Should I Choose?
There are a few different factors to consider when looking for the right hiking boots, including:
Terrain: There are several different types of hiking shoes, and your choice should depend on the type of hiking you plan to do. For example, if you plan on trekking more strenuous trails, you’ll need heavy-duty boots that are suitable for rough terrain and extra-long hikes. Hiking boots that are too lightweight may put you at risk for foot pain and injury.
Proper Fit: Shoes that don’t fit right can lead to blisters, pain, and even long-term foot issues. Your footwear for hiking should allow plenty of room to wiggle your toes, but they also need to be secure enough to prevent your foot from sliding around.
Support: Your shoes should provide sufficient ankle support, especially if you’re going on long hikes on uneven terrain. Some people may need additional insoles or inserts to provide the necessary arch support.
Durability: Whether it’s a short day hike or a 20-mile adventure, hiking boots should always feel sturdy. Your shoes should cradle the shape of your feet and be durable enough to handle rough terrain. It’s also important that your hiking boots are weather-resistant.
How Our Physiotherapists Can Help Your Foot Pain
If you’ve been struggling with food pain, our Ottawa physiotherapists can determine and treat the underlying problem. We will begin with a comprehensive assessment of your condition, symptoms, and goals for seeking treatment. Following your first appointment, your physiotherapist will design a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs.
Common physiotherapy treatments for foot pain and related conditions include:
Manual Therapy: Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques to improve mobility and decrease pain. These may include:
- Joint mobilization/manipulation: Joint mobilization and manipulation methods are used to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints. These techniques work by guiding the joints and surrounding tissues with mild, moderate, or strong forces and varying speeds. Both techniques can effectively reduce pain, improve your range of motion, and restore function.
- Soft tissue massage: Soft tissue massage is an effective way to relieve pain and tension by targeting the soft tissues of the body. Your therapist will manipulate the tissues in your muscles, tendons, and fascia to restore tissue movement and alleviate tension.
- Passive stretching: Passive stretching is led by your practitioner so that you are able to fully rest your body in a specific position. This technique can help restore your range of motion and increase flexibility.
Exercise Therapy: Customized exercise programs are designed to restore balance, improve flexibility, and strengthen the muscles in the foot and lower leg. Your physiotherapist may include range-of-motion, strengthening, and balance exercises.
Orthotics: Custom foot orthotics may be used to correct biomechanical foot issues and provide support to the arches of the foot.
Taping/Bracing: Tape and braces can be used to provide support to injured muscles or joints or to correct foot alignment. They may be applied to the body in a specific way to stabilize an injured joint or facilitate the action of a muscle.
Education and Advice: Our physiotherapists provide advice on self-management strategies, like appropriate footwear, activity modification, and at-home exercises.
Balance and Gait Training: If your foot pain is affecting your movements, balance and gait training can help you walk more efficiently by reducing the strain on your feet.
Request an Appointment With Our Specialists Today!
Whether you’re an avid hiker or just starting out, our physiotherapists could help you avoid foot injuries and treat existing ones. In addition, we strive to enhance your experience by providing guidance about which type of footwear for hiking is right for you!
Call CN Physiotherapy in Ottawa today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Sources:
- Keyword: proper footwear for hiking