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Regularly playing sports can take a toll on your feet due to the frequent movement and pressure. That’s why every athlete should develop a personalized foot care plan. If you’re not sure where to begin, learn more below.

Common Foot Problems for Athletes

Corns & Calluses

These thick patches of skin typically develop due to too much friction and pressure against the feet. Athletes frequently get them since they spend a lot of time moving around in tight shoes.

Plantar Fasciitis

This inflammation occurs when the plantar fascia, or the band of tissue extending from the ball of the foot to the heel, experiences too much stress. It’s a frequent cause of heel pain.

Heel Spurs

A common side effect of plantar fasciitis, a heel spur is a calcium deposit, or bony growth, that appears around the heel bone. It often causes pain and is most common in athletes who regularly run or jump.

Sesamoiditis

Many athletes overwork the connective tissues that attach muscle to bone, also known as tendons, in their feet. This can lead to sesamoiditis, which is the inflammation of the bones embedded in the tendons.

Athlete’s Foot

As its name suggests, this fungal infection often affects athletes. That’s because fungus thrives in dark, moist places, and athletes’ feet tend to become sweaty inside their dark, tight sneakers or cleats.

How to Keep Your Feet Healthy

foot careReduce your risk of these issues by washing your feet every day with mild soap and warm water. Don't forget to dry them, as moisture increases your risk of infections. While cleaning them, inspect your feet for swelling, sores, or cuts. The sooner you address these issues, the less likely they'll develop into more severe problems.

Also, make sure your shoes aren't too tight. You'll know you have a good fit if you can remove your foot when the shoe is laced up but not when it's tied.

Purchase multiple athletic shoes so you can give each pair at least 24 hours to dry before wearing them again. This will reduce the amount of sweat and moisture your feet are exposed to, as will wearing clean socks that wick moisture.

Finally, ask your podiatrist about prescription foot orthotics. These custom-made devices fit in your shoes to maintain proper foot alignment and reduce the chance of pain, calluses, and other foot problems.

 

Keep your feet in excellent condition with the help of Westside Podiatry Group. Based in Rochester, Greece, and Gates, NY, these foot care specialists will teach you how to best tend to your feet so you can reach your athletic goals. With over 40 years of experience, they treat a variety of foot injuries and issues, including fractures, heel spurs, bunions, and ingrown toenails. Learn more about the practice online, and call (585) 225-2290 to schedule an appointment.

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