Be Sweet To Your Feet

After a run do you ever think about your feet?

Most of us have our post run routine, whether that is stretching the legs, or icing your knees, but are you doing enough for your feet?

Foot health is a vital part of our running longevity. Many runners are quickly taken out of their training regimen when an injury like Plantar Fasciitis, or a stress fracture hits. Even minor injuries like blisters or toenail pain can keep you from hitting the pavement.

Let's look at some ways to keep your tootsies safe from injury.

Wearing proper shoes:
As most runners already know, the proper shoe can be THE difference in injury prevention. Though there are many many different types and brands of running shoe, selecting the right one shouldn't be difficult. Go to a running store that has certified shoe specialists, now a days many stores have them, they can look at your foot strike and help you make the right choice.

Reduce chaffing:
Blisters are common and most of us have had plenty of them, but we can reduce the chafing that causes them. Try to keep dry healthy feet in shoes that fit correctly. Wearing shoes that are too big or too small, keeping toenails too long, wearing socks that are too thick, or running with wet feet, can all be reasons that your feet are chafing. If you run long distances, try using a product like BodyGlide to lubricate your skin where you have the most issues.

After run care:
Take some simple steps to reduce inflammation after a run, like a quick ice bath, or sitting with legs elevated/legs up the wall. Use a tennis ball or lacrosse ball to massage the bottom of the foot. This can be a great preventative measure for Plantar Fasciitis. Look up foot specific stretches and strengthening exercises. Foot strength can make a huge difference in injury prevention.

Try some of these tips and take care of your feet!

-See you on the road!