4 Ways To Take Care Of Your Feet As An Athlete

19 September 2019
 Categories: , Blog

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As an athlete, it can be easy to focus on aspects of your health such as eating well or taking care of your major muscle groups, such as your legs. One area of your health that may be overlooked is your feet. Your feet are what allow you to really stay active and deserve to be looked after.

Always Wear the Right Shoes for Your Sport

You should always wear the right shoes for your sport. Don't try to wear shoes for another sport. For example, if you are running track, don't wear your football cleats. Each type of sports shoe is built for the specific types of movements that you will engage in during that sport, and are designed to give you the right level of support for that particular sport. Wearing the wrong sports shoe is an easy way to hurt your feet.

Make Sure Your Shoes Fit

Next, you need to make sure that your shoes fit. Try on shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are swelled up to their biggest size. Don't assume that you know what size shoe to wear; sizing can really vary from one brand to another, so get your feet sized for the specific shoes that you are trying on. If you outgrow your shoes, it is time to trade up.

Take the Time to Lace Up Your Shoes

When you wear your shoes, always take the time to lace your shoes up properly. The laces on your sports shoes are not just decorative. They are designed to make sure you have the support that you need. The laces bring your shoes together and being lazy with the laces will cause your shoes to not work as effectively as they should.

Wear Clean, Fitted Cotton Socks

When you put on your shoes, you need to make sure you are wearing the right socks. In general, you should wear clean cotton socks that snuggly fit your feet. Socks that are too tight can limit your circulation, and socks that are too loose can rub and hurt your feet. Put on a clean pair of socks before you practice, and put on another clean pair when you take off your sports shoes.

When it comes to taking care of your feet as an athlete, you need to wear the right shoes for your sport. Make sure your shoes fit, and every time you put on your shoes, lace them up properly and wear clean, fitted cotton socks. Clean your feet after your work out and give them a soak every now and then. Your feet power your body, and you need to take care of them in order to continue your athletic career.

For more information about foot care, contact your local podiatrist.