Several factors make athletes more prone to foot-related sports injuries and conditions, from excess sweat to vigorous exercise. Fortunately, there are also preventive steps you can take to keep your feet healthy, even as a sports enthusiast. Here are a few tips to consider. 

How to Care for Your Feet As an Athlete

1. Purchase the Right Shoes

To provide the support, traction, and comfort level you need, it’s important to choose shoes designed specifically for your sport. For example, trail running shoes have more traction for handling varied terrain, which could help prevent sports injuries like twisted ankles. Shoes with cleats support balance by providing grip on slippery grass for soccer or football players. You can also have custom inserts designed for your shoes if you have particularly flat feet or high arches, as these will offer an added layer of support and comfort to prevent foot pain. 

2. Replace Footwear Often

If you train regularly, you can generally expect to get several months out of your shoes. Many athletes can only play in a pair for one season before the tread and fabric begin to wear away, leaving them at a greater risk for injuries. Replacing your shoes at the first sign of wear prevents blisters, calluses, and other foot problems.

Socks are also an important element of your footwear. When you notice them becoming too wet with sweat, replace them with a fresh pair. While this may mean packing extra socks for practice or competition, doing so could help you avoid fungal infections like athlete’s foot, which can occur when too much moisture gets trapped. 

3. Ease Into Training 

Athletes who train intensely are more at risk of developing sports injuries like stress fractures and plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot. To reduce your injury risk, ease into your workouts slowly. Increase intensity and duration gradually over time. If you’re training for a specific event such as a marathon, work backward from the date to determine when you’ll need to start training to accommodate these increments.

Whether you have sports injuries or a chronic foot problem, Deer Creek Foot Care can help. Serving O’Fallon, MO, this clinic is led by experienced podiatrist Dr. Warren Trampe, who has been trusted to diagnose and treat foot problems for over 20 years. See their complete list of services online, or schedule an appointment by calling (636) 240-1127.