Why Runners Need To Take Care Of Their Feet

Whether you are running for fun, to shave off a few pounds or training for a marathon

, it is important to take care of your feet. Without feet that are working properly, running can become much more difficult and discouraging. Many times runners can neglect their feet or push themselves too hard, which can lead to a multitude of foot problems. For runners who are using their feet more than the average person, foot care is of the upmost importance.

Foot Problems For Runners

With the increased stress put on runners' feet, there are a few different problems that can develop:

*Blisters. Blisters can be painful and hamper a runner's ability to run. They can be caused by a sudden increase in pressure and friction on the foot due to poorly fitting shoes, worn out shoes, your body mechanics and other reasons.

*Plantar Fasciitis. This is characterized by pain in the heel region due to inflammation of the plantar fascia-the band of tissue running from your heel bone to your toes. Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. There could be a stress fracture, tendonitis, or other problem.

*Athlete's Foot. This is a fungal infection that usually resides between your toes. It thrives in damp hot places. Often, but not always, this is accompanied by itching and a rash appearance.

*Black Toenails. These occur when blood collects underneath the toenail, sometimes causing the nail to fall off. This is common in long distance runners who toes rub against the front of their shoes. This can be painful, Dr. Basinger can help alleviate these symptoms and discuss means of preventing this from reoccurring.

Tips To Avoid Foot Problems

Make sure your feet are taken care of. One of the most common mistakes runners make is to wear shoes that do not fit correctly or are too worn out. Too much or too little space can create friction or increased pressure on your toes, leading to blisters or more serious problems. Shoes that are too worn in will fail to provide the necessary support and can lead to foot pain, making running much more difficult.

Runners also must make sure to properly warm up, train appropriately and prepare their body before running to lessen the chances of injury. This includes properly grooming your toes to eliminate the risk of an ingrown nail.

Replace your running shoes periodically. A rough rule of thumb is to replace them every 300 to 500 miles. Be careful to not increase activity level too much too quickly.

Runners put a great deal of stress on their feet and must be vigilant to make sure their feet remain in good shape. To learn more about foot health or to get your feet checked, contact Dr. Scott Basinger, your Charlotte, NC podiatrist today.

by: Gen Wright

POST COMMENT

Why You Should Pay Attention To Your Sleep Position How The Amount Of Sleep You Get Affects The Quality Of Your Life Crushers Pave The Way For Highway Construction How Many Conference Speakers Are Right For A Weekend Event? Coal Industry Improves Growth Of Mining Machinery Best Nature Photos Multipurpose Bags For The Daily Happenings At The Finish Of It All - There Is Certainly This One Question That Continues To Be Will Not Paying Up Bring You To Jail? Hongxing Company Is Entering To Leading Level How To Recover Email On Your Mac Mypayadvance Can Help You With A Payday Loan Two Great Ways To Attract More Clients To Your Law Firm