I need help with Blisters, please :) lol oh and another question too....

[Heather]

I have been walking every morning about 4 miles. I just bought a pair of shoes that I thought were fine. Well, at least they start out that way. After a mile and a half my hands and feet swell up. WHY?? Because of this I have an enormous blister on my pinky toe. I have tried band-aids but the toe still gets pinched by the other toes. I need help! I don't want to rest my feet, I want to walk while the weather still won't kill me! lol

Any advice ladies :)

[Jennifer Grant]

crazy! i wish i had advice, but the only thing i know of that causes swollen hands is my mother in law...when she's been walking around for a while without raising her hands above her waist, they swell up like someone who is stung by a bee and is allergic. maybe thats it?

but the real question is why in the HECK do you walk 4 freakin miles!?!?!? thats a LONG way! :)

[Heather]

ROFL!!! I know but it is really easy because of the park. It is right across the street and once around is a mile and a half and I always go around twice at least. Now they have a ver small water area and I usually cut through that to mix it up a little bit. I will take a picture today, it really is pretty when you walk through the nature area. It feels secluded and peaceful. So the walking goes fast.

It helps get me going in the morning and now I am sad if I have to miss it. I don't ususally do it on the weekends because I like to sleep in. lol

[linda g]

Blisters hurt ! and I'm sorry that you are dealing with them. Here are a couple of things that work for me:
1. don't wear cotton socks - they rub against your foot and retain the moisture from sweat. So, this in turn causes the sock to get rough and walaa! blisters. Invest in a couple pairs of socks that are moisture wicking. My favorites are Smart Wool socks - they are made out of wool but they are the best! trust me, they aren't hot in the summer and they aren't cold in the winter. Another type to try are the target brand moisture wicking in the workout section.
2. Get a blister kit - I bought mine at REI. It's made by Spenco and has 2nd skin moisture pads, and bandages to cover the 2nd skin. It's incredible! I split my heel a couple of weeks ago because of a pedicure and the dry heat here - that Spenco blister kit has saved me.
Good luck! Keep walking :)

[linda g]

Oh and the swelling - you're in Texas now right? You're body is swelling because the humidty level is higher there than it is here and it's a sign of dehydration (mild) Your body is still getting aclimated and is afraid to release water ie sweat because of the change. Just drink water when you walk - when you are in high humidty areas it's hard to stay hydrated enough because you don't realize how much you are sweating.