Do’s and Don’ts of Proper Foot Care for Runners and Walkers

25th November 2022

Our feet suffer from all impacts of daily activities, from the first step in the morning to the end of our day. Every walk and run, our feet, more than any other body part, endure a significant amount of force. We may not fully realize it, but every step we take contributes to the strain on our feet- even more so when running.

 

At times, our feet do not receive the care and attention they deserve compared to other parts of our bodies. It is no wonder that people endure injuries on their feet. Hence, we must keep a close eye on them. Looking after our feet does not have to be demanding and can be easily integrated into our everyday lives.

 

Below are some do’s and don’ts to keep your feet healthy and pleased:

Do put on appropriate footwear for your activity

When it comes to footwear, there are numerous options available, and each type has its functionality specifically tailored to satisfy your needs. Footwear used for strolling and light running is very common and easily found on the market. But, for long-distance running and walking, you will need to look for the ones designed specifically for such endeavors.

Don’t ignore any soreness or pain in your feet

You should not disregard foot soreness or pain because it could be a symptom of injuries sustained or discomfort. You can treat several persistent foot pain with exercise, medication, therapy, or even other standard treatment. 

 

Foot care products are necessary for keeping your feet happy and healthy. Numerous foot care products on the market can help with foot problems such as heel pain, toe pain, and more.

Do keep your toenails trimmed

Your toenails can also suffer the same way as your feet. You may feel pain or sustain damage when your toenails keep on making contact with the sides or front of your footwear. The dark or black discoloration you notice on your toenail may result from this. 

 

Remember to keep your toenails at a moderate length to help lower your chances of having black or ingrown toenails. You can get a pedicure or cut them just long enough to prevent them from rubbing against the front of your socks or footwear.

Don’t wear shoes that are too tight

There’s a good chance that your shoes don’t fit if your feet tend to hurt or you get a lot of blisters. Shoes that are too tight restrict blood flow and put too much strain on your feet. Check that your shoes are properly fitted and comfortable.  Having a few extra pairs of shoes is also a good idea.

Do wear better-quality socks

Poorly fitting socks frequently cause blisters because your feet make contact with the fabric too much, causing the skin to feel irritated and have blisters. Moreover, poor quality or worn-out socks can restrict airflow, causing discomfort and other problems. To solve the problem, pick socks that are both comfortable and light enough to let air circulate. To add a personal touch to your running or walking attire, you might want to consider ordering logo socks from a trusted provider. These custom-branded logo socks can complement your active lifestyle while keeping your feet comfortable.

Don’t suffocate your feet

Expect your feet to be sweating after a long run or walk. To let them breathe, remove your socks and footwear and thoroughly clean and dry your feet. Allow your feet to respire and recover from the activities they went through.  Like the rest of your body, your feet also need to take a rest.

Do moisten your feet

Although you should keep your feet dry, it’s also important to maintain some moisture in your feet.  Your skin will become more susceptible to severe cracks, peeling, and bleeding if there’s insufficient moisture. Several runners and walkers use lubricants, lotions, ointments, and other foot care products to keep their feet healthy.  Apply a moisturizer to your feet after washing and drying them.

Final Thoughts

Running and walking can be comfortable or dreadful depending on the condition of our feet. We must pay more time and attention to them and provide adequate treatment. 

 

Each day, thoroughly check your feet before and after putting on your shoes. Even minor foot pain can impair your ability to accomplish various tasks, particularly activities requiring walking or standing. Your chances of successfully treating the problem with simple and direct treatments will increase the sooner you address them.

 

References:

https://kalamazoopodiatry.com/blog/ultimate-foot-care-tips-for-runners/ 

https://www.sports-fitness.co.uk/blog/foot-care-for-runners 

https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/tips-for-healthy-feet-for-walkers-and-runners