Really random topic here: but has anyone ever cut their foot badly enough to leave a scar? If so, would this scar be a problem during a thru-hike? Rubbing, chafing, etc? I just got 8 stitches put in the S-O-L-E of my left foot (ouch) and there’ll be a nasty scar. I just hope that the scar can withstand the pressure of walking a few million steps.
just Cherry
I have a big one on the ball of my foot after stepping on a rusty fork when I was a kid. It deformed it enough it caused bad bruising part way north and I limped on it for most of the trail. Had to get an orthotic. Go see a recommended podiatrist to see what they think. On the arch or on the weight bearing part? The fleshy parts tend to be okay its the heel and ball where all the weight goes that can be trouble and cause a nasty calus later.
Bramble
Agree with Bramble.
Scar tissue just like a calouse is hard and when something pushes again it, and it in turn pushes against you, then it hurts and depending where it’s at, it can hurt like h***.
On the weight bearing parts of the feet, it can be very bad and painful.
Scar tissue (on many people) just like calouses goes away with time. Calouses form on hands and feet when they do tough exercise like using a hoe or showel with no gloves for months and months. Calouses also form on the feet from lots of barefoot walking, etc.
Depending on how well your scar heals, how deep it was, how well stiched up it was, and what you got cut on----it could go away on it’s on in several months. Just like a scab on a sore, a scar after time (on many people) will just peal right off. I would not try to peal a deep scar off as it could and would open the wound again if healing is not complete and sufficient. Once the scar is on the surface only, then it just may soak right off in the tub by itself without you even knowing it.
Do you scar easily? And do the scars go away, disappear with time?—or do you (like some people), once you get them, they tend to stay with you forever. Time will tell. Sometimes soaking feet or whatever will help remove hard scar and calouse material. Just soak them long enough and they tend to peel right off----this of course after they have healed completely and for a long time.
Sole of foot (as you say) many not be a problem since it’s not weight bearing that much. Do a lot of walking and hiking and see how things progress as you foot heals. Also good heavy duty insulated boots, two pair of socks, superfeet, or whatever might be appropriate to give your feet all the cushioning and support they need.
Hope all of this helps. Keep on hiking. :cheers
Maintain