When you enjoy running as a hobby, you must take proper care of your feet each day. Running places a lot of stress on the components of your feet, including your bones, cartilage, muscles and tendons. While you are running, your feet receive hundreds of pounds of pressure, and within a few months, you could have a serious long-term problem with your feet. Use these five methods to keep your feet in the best condition while you are running.
Buy High-Quality Athletic Shoes
You might think that any type of footwear is appropriate for running, but this is not true. It is important to select athletic shoes that are designed for running so that you can protect your heels, toes and arches from damage. Make sure to try on numerous pairs of shoes and walk around the footwear store to make sure that the shoes are comfortable. Remember that the size of your feet can change as you age, so measure your feet occasionally to buy athletic shoes that fit correctly.
Order Customized Orthotics for Your Footwear
In addition to choosing a great pair of athletic shoes, order customized orthotics from a foot specialist. When you visit a foot specialist, she will create a mold of each foot to order arch supports, heel cups or full-size pads. You can place these devices in your athletic shoes before you go running to protect your feet from wear and tear damage that can immobilize you.
Eliminate the Bunions on Your Feet
Bunions are a particular type of bone deformity that occurs near the big toe on one or both of your feet. If you have a bunion, then your foot will feel stiff, swollen and painful. While orthotic devices can relieve some of the pain in your feet, you need bunion pain treatment that includes taking medications. When your bunions won’t go away, you should visit a podiatrist to have surgery to remove the deformed bones.
Wear the Right Types of Socks
You should always wear socks while you are running to avoid damaging your feet. The best socks for running are made of natural materials such as cotton that will absorb perspiration. If you perspire a lot, then change your socks frequently while running to avoid friction from dampness. Wash and dry your socks thoroughly to keep your feet in tiptop condition.
Keep Your Feet Clean
After running, make sure to wash your feet with warm water and a mild soap. Before wearing socks or shoes, make sure to dry your feet thoroughly to avoid problems from fungus. If you notice any cuts or bruises on your feet, then apply an antiseptic. In addition, check your toenails for problems such as cracks or discoloration.
Visit Your Podiatrist Twice a Year
As a runner, you must take care of your feet by visiting a podiatrist twice a year. A podiatrist will examine your feet and collect medical images to find problems in the earliest stages to avoid any serious issues in the future.
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