SubscribeI just wrote a piece on DeFeet socks and footwear last month. I don’t know if it is because of the article or because so many people are training for the Oakland Running Festival but feet have been a hot topic.
I will start off by saying that foot problems are not a badge of honor saying that you are a runner. They are something to avoid and take care of as soon as something comes up. There is nothing good about injuries of any type. The most common foot injuries that I hear about:
- Black toe nails
- Toe nails falling off
- Blisters on the toes
- Blisters on the feet or heels
- Foot pain
- Arch pain
- Athletes foot
Black toe nails and toe nails falling off usually come from the same source – your toe nail is hitting something. The first and easiest thing to do is make sure you toe nails are nice and trimmed. If you don’t like clipping your toe nails, go get a pedicure (polish is optional).
If your nails are good check the quality of your socks. Cheap socks can bunch or have a seam across the toes. Then check your shoes for proper size and room in the toe box. Take your time in the shoe store, when selecting shoes.
You should find shoes that fit comfortably and have room for the toes. Walk around in the store for a little while and jog a bit to make sure the shoes stay put. One of my dailymile friends has to drive 4 hours to get to a running store. I have a theory on that… You should spend as much time trying your shoes as you do commuting to the shoe store. While you are at the store try some high quality running socks and shoe inserts. They will both last longer than the shoes.
Blisters usually happen for the same reasons as black toe nails but they happen on the bottoms of the toes and feet. Blisters are always from rubbing. Sometimes, you get blisters because your feet are just not ready for running. Check out your shoes and socks and keep running. When you get a blister, do not pop it! Put ice on it to relieve the swelling.
The next time you run, put some Vaseline or Body Glide on it. I prefer Body Glide because I like the texture. After about 3-5 days the blister will shrink away to nothing. If you are at an aid station of an event, it is popping the blister is fine. It will add to the time it takes to heal but you are at the event to finish.
Foot pain can be serious. If you have foot pain that persists, go see a doctor. I live in California where the medical care is not quite up to standard so I usually go see the sports chiropractor first. The choice is yours. Keep in mind that feet are very important and a lot of injuries can be taken care of easily if they are treated early.
Athletes foot/feet – Do not mess around with athletes foot. Treat the first itch between the toes. Over the counter medicines work fine. I prefer creams because they do not stink up the house or locker room and the cream stays where you put it. If you take care of athletes foot at the first itch, there is a good chance it can be cured before the skin is damaged.
Leave a comment