5 Problems You Might Encounter While Trekking

While trekking is an adventurous outdoor activity, it cannot ensure your safety or well being unless your are fully prepared for it. Below are the rundown on problems you might encounter and their remedies.

Blisters

Blister is a common problem faced by trekkers. It is caused due to deprivation of moisture due to constant rubbing. The improper size of the trekking shoes, socks, wet feet and lack of cleanliness may cause blisters.

Remedies:

• Always wear strong yet soft shoes which will let the air pass and will keep your feet moisturised as well.
• Avoid wearing heavy and thick shoes and newly bought shoes as well.
• Take small breaks in between your trek and clean your feet with water.

Acute Mountain Sickness(AMS)

Altitude sickness is another major obstacle you might face while trekking the high altitude. The dropdown in the oxygen or air flow causes this and the common symptoms are nausea, headache, breathlessness, sleep deprivation,etc.

Remedies

• Do not ascend too quick and take short breaks.
• Medics suggest taking Diamox pills, an anti AMS pill to prevent AMS in high altitude.

Sore Feets or Joints

Trekking continuously for longer hours can be quite exhausting and may create problems in your joints and ligaments. Obesity, weight of backpack, hard/clumsy shoes and improper body language may cause sore feet afterwards.

Remedies

• Being physically and mentally fit is very important if you are planning on trekking the mountains in Nepal.
• Don’t carry heavy loads as it will enforce more pressure on your knees and joints.
• Hydrotherapy(cleaning your feet with cold water) is a good remedy for sore feet.
• Boot inserts may be a great help too if the sole of your shoes are harder.

Fatigue

Long trekking makes you physically and mentally exerted and thus results in fatigue.

Remedies

• Hydrate yourself throughout the trek
• Eat enough calories to prevent fatigue
• Carry atleast 4 ltrs of water, 3 huge meals with snacks containing of energy bars or high energy supplements.
• 8 hours sleep is extremely important to keep you mentally and physically sound during a trek.

The ‘Khumbu Cough

The Khumbu cough, also known as the high altitude hack, is named after the area in the Everest region. Almost everyone who spend time at extreme altitude(5500m) have high chances od developing some degree of the Khumbu cough. The main reason behind it is low humidity and sub-zero temperatures and low exertion. Running nose, dry cough, clear/white phlegm are the common symptons of Khumbu Cough.

Remedies

• Wear a mask which heats and moisturises the air.
• Wear a balaclava at night.
• Wear a mask with a metallic net inserted into a lightweight shell.
• Avoid over exertion.
• Regulate your breathing when necessary.

Courtesy : https://trekkingnepalhimalaya.org/2015/12/21/5-problems-while-trekking/