TREATMENT OF THE FEET, HANDS, SINEWS, Etc.
The chief cause of tender feet rests with the socks and shoes or boots in which the pedestrian may commence his work. By no means attempt work in new boots, or in those, however well seasoned, that are not of sufficient length and width in the tread and across the toes. The thickness, so as they are of a sound double sole and perfectly water-tight at the lower part, does not so much matter; but a few days’ use will soon prove to the training man that a rather stout pair will keep his feet sounder and be of more comfort to him, in a long journey, than the lighter kind, Different men, however, are of various opinions; but Westhall, during a long experience, found that a pair of boots laced up the front and reaching a trifle above the ankle and of medium stoutness, answered every purpose required by anyone who is satisfied with doing well. A very thick pair, of course, may be kept in reserve for very wet and muddy weather, when slow work only will be advisable to be taken. Should the pedestrian, however, be obstinate, and take fast work in the heavy boots, he will in most cases be punished by sore shins, which will prove a source of such trouble that the lighter sort of boots will be in requisition for the future. The socks should be of an easy fit and of fine warm lambs’-wool. The chief care about the socks, however, is taking the precaution that a pair of socks should never be worn a second time until thoroughly aired, and if possible a supply should be so provided that they may be rinsed out in cold water, and then dried before again being worn.
The above precautions will prove of the greatest value to those who have feet given to sweating, and in some instances have proved an effectual cure for the inconvenience. The toenails should be attended to regularly, and the shape of the foot will be the best criterion for their treatment. To prevent the hands from swelling, a short stick or switch, carried in the hand will be efficacious while walking about. Strains are of frequent occurrence, and chiefly arise from the man making some sudden effort when the tendons or the fascia (the thin covering) of the muscles are stiff and sore from previous hard work. The tendon Achilles—from the heel to the calf of the leg—is the principal seat of the most dangerous of the strains of the tendons, and is incurable except by rest, and that of some duration. Should there be any swelling and hardening of the injured portion of the tendon, do not attempt any methods of self-treatment, but seek medical advice. All strains are assisted in their cure by bandaging, but they should not be applied until hot fomentations for some time have been applied, and finished up by the application of the embrocation, with plenty of friction, before a fire.
Soft Corns.—Pick off with the nails as much as possible; next day apply caustic, rubbing it in; afterward keep a piece of carded cotton between the toes night and day.
Hard Corns.—Pare off the hard cuticle; then apply tincture of iodine with a brush or caustic.
Hardening the Flesh.—Lemon juice is one of the simplest and best for rubbing on the hand. Horseradish grated and mixed with vinegar is also good. Whiskey poured in the shoe is frequently used.
Bunions.—Apply two or three leeches every day for a week; when the bites are well, brush with tincture of iodine every other day. An application of “Papier Fayard” is sometimes very beneficial.
Boils.—Apply linseed poultice, or open it with a knife. If on the “seat of honor,” apply a plaster spread on leather, and composed of equal parts of mercurial and opiate plaster. Do not use the knife. To those subject to boils use the following as a preventative: take nitrate of silver, from fifteen to twenty grains to the ounce, made into a wash, and paint the surface every night. This turns the skin black, but do not mind that.
Strains.—The following is the receipt of Westhall’s stimulating embrocation: Spirits of wine, ¼ pint; spirits of turpentine, ¼ pint; white vinegar, ¼ pint. Mix thoroughly, warm by the fire, beat up a fresh egg, and mix gradually with the spirits, etc.; shake the bottle well.
Sprains.—For sprained ankle, make a flannel bag about a foot long by six inches wide, which fill with bran and plunge into boiling water until thoroughly saturated; then squeeze almost dry, and apply it as hot as the patient can bear on the weak part. There should be a couple of bags, so that when one application gets cool fresh heat may be immediately applied.
Chapped Hands, Etc.—Smear over the parts chapped with glycerine, by means of a brush or feather, night and morning.
Blisters.—Prick with a fine needle before they burst, inserting the needle obliquely, and the water presses out, repeating whenever the blister fills again. If the blister is broken, apply collodion with a brush; if too painful, use finely carded medicated cotton in a thin layer, under a kid glove, or powdered gum-arabic, taking care to keep the hands from water for twenty-four hours. For feet blisters, spread a piece of kid with soap-plaster, applying over the skin; also bathe in strong salt water mixed with powdered alum and vinegar. If large, run a stocking-needle threaded with white worsted through; then cut the end off, leaving the worsted in the blister until the water runs out. Do not leave off washing the feet in salt water, etc., as this will act as a preventative.
LARRY FOLEY, JACK THOMPSON,
Noted Australian Pugilists.
JOHN ENNIS,
Long-distance Walker.
CHARLES A. HARRIMAN,
American Long-distance Walker.
