Rock climbing is a popular pastime that offers opportunities to explore the outdoors and achieve new heights. However, between pushing up to the next handhold and maintaining a tight grip, it does put an excessive amount of strain on your feet. This can result in a variety of issues and may require the skill of a podiatrist. Take a closer look at the following to determine when to secure treatment. 

4 Common Foot Issues for Rock Climbers

1. Chronic Swelling

The constant friction that occurs when moving along the face of a rock can cause the toes to swell. Depending on the frequency of your outings, this could become a chronic condition that eventually leads to osteoarthritis. It stiffens the joints and makes them uncomfortable to move. 

2. Bunions

With the way your feet grip each of the crevices, there’s a potential for developing bunions. These appear when the first toe starts to angle toward the other toes instead of remaining straight. It can cause a bony lump to appear inside the joint as well as along the back of your heel. 

3. Achilles Tendinitis

Wearing the wrong shoe size will cause the foot to develop a curved formation. This ends up weakening the tendon and can result in a condition known as Achilles Tendinitis. Long durations will make you prone to sprained ankles as well as increase the potential of a tear. 

4. Tingling & Numbness

If you notice a slight tingling or numbness while wearing the shoes, then it might be that they’re causing the blood vessels to compress. It’s likely due to improper sizing and will usually go away a few minutes after taking them off. 

Pressure marks could also be the underlying issue. This is when the contact points on your toes become hard and stiff after frequent rounds of climbing. It reduces the skin’s flexibility while in the shoe and can temporarily block circulation. 

Ensure your feet are ready for the next adventure by working with St. Peters Foot & Ankle: Samuel T. Wood-DPM. With locations in both St. Peters and Florissant, MO, this podiatrist commits to keeping up with the latest treatments. As a foot doctor, he's been in the business since 1997 and is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. Call (636) 720-0190 to schedule an appointment or visit his website for additional information on this local podiatrist.