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Pre-race foot care

It is no secret that as a runner it is unlikely we will ever get the call up to become a foot model. Over the course of your running training, your feet will inevitably look a little worse for wear and laden with a variety of unsightly lumps and bumps. Below are some common foot issues experienced by runners as well as some tips on how you can reduce the chance of these occurring and lastly what you can do to get your feet race ready.

Common runners foot symptoms

  • Callouses around the big toe joint, tips of toes, and heels from rubbing against the shoes or toes when running.
  • Corns under the forefoot or between toes 
  • In-grown toe nails are also regularly seen in distance runners.
  • Black toe-nails

While these things may be a ‘badge of honour’ for some, they can become quite painful and may even hamper your training and race performance as it’s not unusual for blisters to suddenly appear mid-race. Running with blisters can be an awful experience, and one that is likely to be detrimental to the race you’ve been preparing months for.

Blisters can form due to the hardened callous skin rubbing on the softer skin layer below, and is more likely if you are running faster and/or further than usual (ie race conditions).

4 Quick tips to lower your chances unfavourable feet

  1. Remove excess callous, corns, and long nails well before race day.  
  2. Wear performance running socks with anti-friction properties
  3. Check your lacing to prevent your feet don’t slide  in the shoe
  4. Make sure your shoes fit well –  big enough around the toes, grab your feet in the arch and heel.  

Now is the ideal time to do a foot health check and have your feet treated .

If you have excessive amounts of callous, come and see our podiatrists at intraining Running Injury Clinic .  They can prepare your feet for race day – so that you have the best run possible, not worrying about your feet.  

Book and appointment online to see one of our podiatrists today.