A recent article in Reader’s Digest states that one on six Americans is plagued by foot problems–caused mosty by ill-fitting shoes. The claim is made by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. Here are five tips that if you listen to them, and take action, will serve you well:
1. Taking care of your feet is your job. Do not count on someone else to take care of your feet.
2. Fit is key. Shoes that are too short or are wrong for the event will make your feet hurt and lead to problems.
3. Your feet must be conditioned to endure the rigors and stresses of your chosen sport. Train in race conditions in the shoes and socks you will wear on race day. Work up to distances that you will tackle in your event.
4. A little toenail care goes a long way in preventing blisters and black toenails. Properly trimmed and filed nails will not catch on socks and will be less likely to lead to toe blisters.
5. Calluses can and usually do lead to problems with blisters or with the thickened and hardened skin folding up on itself when it becomes macerated from being wet. They will become painful.
These tips are extracted from the 4th edition of Fixing Your Feet: Prevention and Treatments for Athletes.
