Swollen and blistered feet are big challenge for migrants

Swollen and blistered feet are big challenge for migrants | iNFOnews.ca
FILE - In this Oct. 26, 2018 file photo, a migrant with bandaged feet rests after walking all day with the U.S.-bound caravan, at a shelter in Arriaga, Chiapas state, Mexico. "These are extreme conditions," says Ignacio Escotto, a Mexican vascular surgeon who specializes in treating extremities. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd, File)

CORDOBA, Mexico – Tired, swollen and blistered feet are some of the biggest challenges for the thousands of Central American migrants making their way through southern Mexico in hopes of starting new lives in the United States.

Three weeks of pounding the hot asphalt of highways every day takes a toll, especially for those plodding along in flimsy flip flops. Whenever possible, the migrants discard damaged footwear, replacing them with shoes donated along the way or with spare pairs carried in backpacks.

The most grueling days demand treks of more than 100 miles (160 kilometres). Migrants eager to find strength in numbers must keep that pace to remain with the group.

Blisters are a nasty foe for migrant feet, young and old alike. Many are getting treated by Red Cross personnel at waystations.

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