As a runner you spend time stretching, warming up, and looking after your joints, so why not spend just as much time on foot care? After all, your feet absorb the pressure of every step you take. Runners’ feet are also more susceptible to ailments that can bring your running to a painful halt.
The following is a list of some of the most common foot conditions:
Blisters
When any two points rub constantly against each other, they cause friction. Friction between your foot and shoe can cause hot spots that may easily develop into painful blisters. Fortunately, blisters can be prevented. Consider the following tips to prevent blisters.
- Always wear running shoes that fit the form of your foot
- Lubricate friction prone areas before a long run
- Clip your toenails regularly and empty your shoes of any debris from your previous run
Athlete’s Foot
Wearing running shoes over a long period of time can cause your feet to develop athlete’s foot, a common fungal infection. If you have ever had athlete’s foot you know it is not a fun ailment to have. Symptoms include itching, scaling, flaky skin, and abnormal odor. It usually develops in the moist areas of the foot such as between the toes. Over-the-counter anti-fungal cream usually works in getting rid of athlete’s foot. However, like most foot conditions, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You can avoid getting athlete’s foot by:
- Changing out of footwear as soon as you are done running and airing them out between runs
- Wearing sweat-absorbent socks and always changing socks after runs
- Avoiding walking barefoot in public showers or locker rooms
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails may be caused by shoes that are too tight or improper nail trimming. When a toe nail curls and begins to grow into the soft tissue of your toe, the results could keep you off the track for several weeks. Follow these steps to prevent ingrown toenails:
- Never round out the shape of your toe nails while trimming; trim them straight
- Avoid shoes or socks that squeeze your toes or inhibit their movement while running
- Regularly wash your feet and maintain good foot hygiene to reduce the risk of infection
If you run often, chances are you are more susceptible to many foot conditions which include toenail fungus, blisters, and many more. Additionally, a foot condition would probably affect you more seriously than it would others. That is why proper foot care cannot be overemphasized for any runner.
