How to Take Care of Your Feet When Playing Sports

Last updated 9 months ago

Sports can be a great source of fun, competition, and exercise. However, sports can also be hard on the feet. The running, jumping, and other actions associated with sports can cause foot pain or injury. Here are some ways you can take care of your feet, whether you’re out on the field, court, or track.

Wear Appropriate Footwear

Failure to wear the right shoes when playing sports can cause blisters, heel pain, and other issues. When choosing sports shoes, it’s important to choose the right type of shoe for the sport you intend to play. For instance, if you play basketball, you’ll want to use a good basketball shoe. Stop by a local specialty sports shoe store, browse their shoe selection, and ask them which type of shoe will meet your needs best. Once you have been wearing your sports shoes for some time, frequently check for wear and other defects.

Maintain Good Hygiene

Caring for your feet after exercise and physical activity is important. Since moist and wet conditions provide the ideal conditions for the growth of bacteria and fungus, you should always remove your socks and shoes immediately after physical activity. Place your shoes in a place where they can air dry and wash your socks. Afterwards, clean your feet and toes thoroughly with soap and then dry them with a clean towel. If you use a public shower or locker room to wash up, wear sandals to protect your feet from fungal infections and other contagions, such as plantar warts.

Protect Sensitive Areas

Your feet can easily be injured when playing sports. So, in addition to wearing a high-quality sports shoe, you should also wear shoe inserts, which can protect your heels, metatarsal bones, knees, and back from the frequent impact of sports-play. If your feet are sore from a long day on the track, field, or court, a nice soak in the bath or a massage can alleviate pain and soreness.

There are many ways people can take care of their feet when playing sports. Visit Family Foot Center on the Web or call us at (718) 767-5555 to learn more foot care and remedies. Our podiatrist, Dr. Stanley J. Zawada, can treat a variety of foo

t ailments, from plantar warts to bunions.