The Modern Method of Training for Running, Walking, Rowing & Boxing

I'EDESTllIAXISM. rather strong, to whicli somt pounded alum and vinegar maybe added,if the feet are very- tender independent of the blisters. Shouldthe blistersbe large, run a stockingneedle threaded •withsome whiteworstedthrough them, and cut off the end, and leave the worstedin the blister until all the water has run out, and then bathe as above. Do not leaveoff the salt and water even after a cure has been effected,as it will provea preventive against any future returns of the blisters; and evenif the salt and water application wastaken as a precaution from the commencement of work,so much the saferfor the pedestrian. There is no preventive against corns, not­ withstanding the many nostrums so loudly vaunted from time to time ; the only wayin whichrelief maybe obtained beingby a thickish pieceof soft leather spread with soap-plaster of sufficient thickness to stick tight, cut round about the size of a shilling,or rather largei with a hole cut in the centre, of the size re­ quired,to allowthe corn to be in the centre. This will allowthe bootto be wornwithout any pressurebeing on the sore spot. Strains are of frequent occurrence,but with very little care may be obviated before they becomeof seriousimport, and chieflyarise from the man making some sudden effortwhen the tendons or the fascia(the thin covering)of the muscles are stiff and sorefrom previous hard work. The tendonAchilles—from the heel to the calf of the leg—isthe principal seat of the TREATMENT OP THE FEET, ETC. 55 most dangerous of the strains of the tendons, and is incurable except by rest, and that of someduration. Should there be any swelling and hardening of the injured portion of the tendon, do not attempt any methods of self- treatment, but seekthe best medical advice you can; and if youcannot afford to pay, goimme­ diately to the nearest hospital. In all cases bear in mind that a partial patchingup is not a thoroughcure. The treatment of a sprained ankle is well knownto all, but the cure may be accelerated by the application of bran, as follows ;— Make a flannel bag about a footlong by six inches wide, whichfill with bran and plunge into boiling water until thoroughly saturated, then squeezealmostdry and apply it as hot as the patient can bear on the weak part. There shouldbe a couple of bags, so that when one applicationgets cool, fresh heat may be imme­ diately applied. This treatment can be per­ sonallyrecommended by the author, who, during his training, strained the tendons of the ankle from the first joint of the toe up to above the ankle, while walking a trial, by slipping whileturning at the end of a mile. Nearlyall the money was down, which was considered a dead loss, and the accident deplored as the height of misfortune. Determining,how­ ever,to lose no time, the above remedy was appliedas soon as possible, and continuedfor twelve hours, until the injured member was aa wrinkledand soft as a washerwoman's thumb