Ask the experts: Winter 2009
Q: I often walk alone in the hills and prefer not to depend on GPS. What safety precautions can I take, and does carrying a switched-on mobile phone act as a potential search beacon? Tony Edwards
Karen Inkster: Leaving a note of where you’re walking is highly recommended. There is no official way of registering your route with the police or mountain rescue in the UK, but some police forces (such as Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary) have a system where you can submit your walk online. Print off a copy of your route and leave it in your car in a visible location or with a friend or family member, too. Carrying a mobile phone is good, but its batteries can obviously run out and there is no guarantee of a signal in the hills. However, emergency services can track mobile-phone movement and pinpoint the last recorded location, even if the phone has lost its signal or has run out of power. You may not favour GPS, but consider buying a personal location device that uses its network to constantly show your location on a website. For more about safe walking, visit www.ramblers.org.uk/resources.
Q: I always wear the correct boots and socks, but am prone to blisters. What will prevent and treat these quickly? I have heard that surgical spirit makes the feet harder. Loretta Cowen
Dr Helen Crawley: Many walkers swear by it, but there is no scientific evidence that surgical spirit helps prevent blisters. Blisters develop when there is moisture and friction, so keep your feet dry and reduce rubbing. Try socks in synthetic wicking fabrics or wearing two pairs to help draw away sweat. Change them during your hike and use talcum powder to absorb dampness. A study of United States army cadets showed that aluminium chloride antiperspirant applied for three nights before a long hike halved the risk of blisters, but beware — it commonly causes irritation, so watch out for a skin reaction. To minimise rubbing, moisturise your feet and smooth any rough, dry areas. Finally, make sure shoes are neither too tight nor loose.
Q: I have size 51⁄2 feet, but they are very wide and have a high instep. I have never found a pair of boots (or even shoes) that I can walk in for more than a few miles without huge discomfort. Do the experts have any advice as to where I can find something that will fit? Chris Benner
Minnie Burlton: I spoke to John Holburn, a senior fitter at specialist bootmakers Altberg, in Yorkshire. His advice is that, since men’s sizes start at a UK 8, women’s boots will offer more choice for smaller feet — and there is very little difference between male and female models. Look at different widths, too — Altberg offers five. John is able to fit 99% of the people who come with complaints about finding footwear to fit using Altberg’s off-the-shelf range of leather boots, which start at £135. The last resort would be to have boots custom-made for you, but there is a two-year waiting list at Altberg and the price is around £1,000. John stresses, “This isn’t a service that anyone can phone up and ask for; it really is only for those who cannot find boots to fit, which, in our experience, is a very small number of people.” To book a boot-fitting appointment with Altberg, call ✆ 01748 826922 or visit www.altberg.co.uk. Other retailers such as Brasher also offer boot-fitting services — call ✆ 0191 516 5780 for details of your nearest store.
Q: I’d like to buy a new ‘smart phone’ with GPS and mapping software. Will it be as good as a dedicated GPS unit? Wayne Millard
Peter Judd: It is perfectly feasible to navigate the hills on a smart phone with a full OS map to guide you — but be aware that some of its features depend on internet connectivity. A phone is also unlikely to be as robust or waterproof as a GPS and may have a poor battery life. That said, smart phones give access to a wealth of walk information, such as points of interest en route. Many come with a mapping application, but while this is detailed enough for town, it is too basic for reference on the hill. Instead, upload OS Explorer or Landranger from ViewRanger (www.viewranger.com). Find out more about maps for your phone on www.gpstraining.co.uk.
Q: I’ve recently been diagnosed with sacroiliac pain and was told to increase my exercise. But I find walking painful and advice on the internet suggested I should rest instead. Which is correct? Jeanette Webster
Dr Helen Crawley: The sacroiliac joints (SIJs) are where the lower spine (the sacrum) and the pelvis are joined by ligaments. The diagnosis of SIJ pain can be difficult and its treatment complicated, which may be why you are finding the management of your problem so confusing. Pain is caused by dysfunction or by inflammation. Dysfunction may be down to a problem with the joint — either it’s loose, causing too much movement, or so stiff there’s too little movement. Treatment may include painkillers, improving posture and gait so the SIJs are not strained, physiotherapy to improve mobility, rest when the joint is aggravated and exercises to prevent pain. SIJ inflammation is called sacroiliitis and is caused by an arthritic disease such as ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthropathy. A blood test will indicate if this cause is likely and a rheumatologist can then recommend medication to treat the pain.
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The writers of all letters published will win a HotRox Electronic Hand Warmer – the new way to stay warm. They’re rechargeable and can be turned on and off at the flick of a switch. HotRox hand warmers are the must-have accessory for everyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Visit www.thehotrox.co.uk.
