Whether you’re a professional athlete or you’re developing a passion for running, your doctor probably reminded you to pay attention to your feet. There’s a reason doctors and other medical professionals want athletes to take especially good care of their feet — a recent study noted that nearly half of American adults report having foot pain that hinders their ability to enjoy physical activities. With this in mind, here’s some helpful information on taking care of your feet.

The Importance of Foot Care for Athletes

What Common Foot Issues Do Doctors Treat in Athletes?

Due to the running, jumping, and quick changes in direction often needed to play sports, common foot issues occur in both the heel and the arch. One condition known as plantar fasciitis affects approximately one out of every ten individuals. This problem results in ongoing arch pain as the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot tears due to stress. Heel spurs, or calcium deposits on the heel bone, are also common in athletes that run and jump frequently due to the added strain on foot muscles and ligaments to perform these actions. 

What Type of Preventative Care Do Healthcare Clinics Recommend?

To avoid foot problems, doctors encourage all athletes to wear comfortable and supportive footwear that doesn’t pinch. After workouts, always keep your feet clean and dry. Focus on trimming nails to avoid ingrown nails, athlete’s foot, and potential infections from moisture, sweat, and walking around a locker room barefoot. Before participating in a game or practice, stretch your feet and ankles and consider physical therapy or conditioning exercises if you start to experience lingering pain. When you notice foot discomfort during or after physical activity, talk to your doctor to pinpoint the issue and to receive additional care recommendations such as massage therapy, ice packs, or orthotics. 

If you’re an athlete in Clay County, AR, and you’re experiencing heel or arch pain as a result of your workouts, 1st Choice Healthcare can help. Conveniently located in Corning, this non-profit healthcare clinic has been providing comprehensive care geared toward improving your quality of life since 1994. Call today at (870) 857-3399 to schedule an appointment with a dedicated family doctor and visit their website for more information on their specialties, from podiatry to treating mental health needs.