My Fingers Look Like Little Sausages

by Marian Rezel

This is a tale of hand inflammation and other tips for a successful Challenge Walk MS.

I first joined Challenge Walk MS in 2009. Although I trained like a champion, I was not totally prepared. I remember while walking with my friend Lori that we noticed that our hands were retaining water. One of us said, “My fingers look like little sausages!” We threw our arms up in the air, getting them above our hearts and, bam, just like that the swelling went down … for about 5 seconds. We improvised a solution (arms up, open and closing hands, wiggling fingers) until we hit our next rest stop. They were handing out little squishy balls at the stop and told us that these would help us with our sausage fingers.  

Lesson learned: pack a stress ball.  You can make your own by filling balloons with flour, cornstarch, Play Dough or sand. Another idea is to cut up a clean pool noodle and squish that.  

Make your own stress ball
using balloons filled with
cornstarch, Play Dough or sand.

Or slice a pool noodle and
squeeze that to prevent
swollen fingers.

“I’ve got blisters on my toes.” I actually have not experienced this malady, but I know many who have.  You need to reduce friction and keep your feet dry to prevent blisters. Here are some tips: 

•          Wear water wicking socks (pack an extra pair in your half-day bag).
•          Use a foot powder (like Gold Bond). 
•          Prep your feet with petroleum jelly or Body Glide (that’s what I use).  

Another lesson I learned the hard way: My legs were aching after the first day. I didn’t sign up for a massage, I just toughed it out.  I didn’t get a massage the second day either. My poor old legs were so tired on Sunday. I figured it was just “supposed” to be that way. The next year I took a team mate’s advice and signed up for a massage after the first night. My legs felt so good on Saturday that I signed up for another massage that night. No exhaustion on Sunday. I will always get a massage. Note to self: self … you can sign up for the massage right now (Friday massage | Saturday massage). Don’t delay.

Did you know that the friendly drivers in the Support and Gear (SAG) Wagons carry water?  Yes they do, and they are more than happy to hand them out. Take advantage of this; don’t be a camel and try to haul around a day’s worth of water on your back. Those nice folks in the SAG Wagons will also take your empties so you won’t have to haul your garbage around with you either.  

One more tip … have fun, it really does help if you face the challenge with a smile. I’ll see you on the walk!