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A Guide to Runners Foot Care.

Runners Foot Care

Taking care of your feet is essential to a healthy lifestyle, and in no sport is it more important than for runners. Whether you are training to run a marathon or just trying to stay fit, there are several ways you can keep your feet healthy for your next run with Runners Foot Care.

Wearing Proper Footwear

Wearing the proper footwear is crucial no matter the level of activity. Whether it be participating in a 5 K or running the Pittsburgh Marathon, finding a shoe store that specializes in running shoes is a good start to you fitness journey. Sales representatives at these stores are very knowledgeable of their products and can find a shoe that meets your stride and foot striking pattern.

Runners Foot Care

Practicing Proper Foot Care.

It may seem obvious that if you run you should take care of your feet, but this is an aspect of the sport that several runners overlook or make a priority. Some forget, others simply do not know how to take care of their feet.

Runners Foot Care

Runners should file down any callouses and cut their toenails straight across. Doing this after soaking your feet or after a shower will make this a bit easier. Wear synthetic socks. Cotton is rotten as they like to say in the sport. Cotton socks absorb moisture and create an environment for blisters to form.

Train With Caution

Many runners injure their ankles or feet by overuse, or running too much. Training can at times prevent injuries, to much running can lead to other problems such as inflammation of the feet, stress fractures, or plantar fasciitis.  The best way to avoid this is to slowly build your mileage over time. Increase the distance in small intervals each week.

Cut Your Toenails Often

Although it is not a problem I have personally experienced, black and loose toenails are among the first things that come to most peoples’ minds when they consider the ways you can develop aching feet from running.

There are a few reasons why you might be developing black toenails or even losing toenails from running, but the major one is really straightforward: your toenails have been repeatedly rubbing against the end of your shoes, which has over time bruised and damaged them.

Making ensuring your toenails are kept short is the first step in lowering your risk of developing black toenails from running.

Sports Injuries

If you suspect that you have an injury, take some time off to ensure that pain and symptoms subside. Some people feel that they need to power through, but that will often lead to more serious injuries like those mentioned above.

If icing and rest do not help your pain or symptoms please come and see a podiatrist. A podiatrist can identify the cause of the pain and recommend treatments that will get you back out running as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing foot pain or injury, make an appointment today to have your problem addressed and get on the path to healing as soon as possible.

What To Do If Runners Develop Corns Or Hard Skin On Their Feet?

If you are a runner and develop corns and hard feet, then you should try these tips:

  1. Soak Your Feet: Soaking your skin for about 15-20 minutes can soften your feet and help you prevent it from getting hard.
  2. Moisturize your skin: Feel free to apply a thick layer of hydrating foot cream or lotion to keep your skin soft and prevent it from getting hard further.
  3. Avoid tight socks: Make sure to avoid tight socks that restrict blood flow, instead pick moisture wicking socks that fit properly and protect your from additional rubbing and pressure. They can protect you from infections and bacteria break out too!
  4. Choose A Proper Footwear: If your footwear doesn’t provide enough space to feet then there are chances of developing corns because of less space and friction, so make sure to get something that provides a good space!
  5. Avoid Self Treatment: DIY treatment may seem like a good idea but remove corns can be dangerous because of risk of infection, so keep this work for professionals only.

How Can Runners Avoid Bunions And Hammertoes?

Hammertoes and bunions are annoying, especially for runners but here are some tips to help avoid them:

  1. Wear Properly Fitting Shoes: Just picking good footwear to avoid skin hardening, picking good shoes can help with preventing bunions and Hammertoes as well. Just getting good shoes or footwear solves most of your foot related problems, so why not think about it?
  2. Avoid High Heels: When you aren’t running, consider avoiding high heels as they put your feet in an unnatural position, which increased the chances of bunion.
  3. Avoid Overtraining: If you are new, there’s no need to go all out from first day, gradually increase intensity, you will get better faster.

Schedule an appointment today with an area Pittsburgh podiatrist 878-313-FEET (3338)!

Click Here to E-mail Dr. Christina Teimouri