Athletes are particularly susceptible to foot problems due to the stress and strain they place on their feet. Common foot problems in athletes include blisters, bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoe, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints.
Six Common Issues Impact Athletes
Six painful and all-too-common foot problems happen for athletes. Each one can occur suddenly and put a damper on physical activities.
- Blisters – They’re a common foot problem for athletes, particularly those who compete in long-distance events. Blisters come from friction and usually occur on the toes or heels. They can be painful and can make it challenging to continue competing.
- Bunions – another common foot problem for athletes. Bunions are significant deformities of the big toe that cause it to point inward towards the other toes. That can cause pain and difficulty walking or running.
- Corns And Calluses – Corns are small, hard growths that form on the toes or other parts of the foot. Calluses are more prominent, more problematic growths that usually form on the heels. Both can be painful and can make it difficult to walk or run.
- Hammertoes – Hammertoes are a deformity of the toe’s middle joint that causes it to point upward, like a hammer. That causes pain and difficulty walking or running. Any athlete who suffers from this disorder will benefit from custom shoe inserts, hammer toe crutch and cushions. It’s worth speaking with your doctor to find out recommendations.
- Plantar Fasciitis – The area impacted is a band of tissue running along the foot’s bottom from the heel to the toes. People notice a painful inflammation in that region, which immediately makes running or even walking hard.
Naturally, with a condition like this, people will feel pain and may have difficulty walking or running. Looking for orthotics or new shoes may provide solutions.
- Shin splints – Shin splints are an inflammation of the muscles and tendons around the shin. The condition can cause pain and difficulty walking or running.
Athletes with pain in their lower legs may be dealing with shin splints, especially after competitions. It’s another issue that will significantly impact training time.
Foot Pain Is Common For Athletes
Athletes are particularly susceptible to foot problems due to the stress and strain they place on their feet. Common foot problems in athletes include blisters, bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoe, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints.
These problems can be painful and can make it challenging to continue competing. Treatments for these problems include rest, ice, and stretching. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
One of the worst consequences of foot problems for athletes is it forces them to cut back on their favorite activities. That’s no way to improve at sport and can be a real downer for anyone who competes regularly. Athletes who want to keep playing while minimizing downtime recuperating understand why investing in supportive footwear is the best way to maintain excellent foot health.
Ideally, the best way athletes can deal with sports injuries is to prevent them whenever possible. Being careful with your training regimen and following precautions reduces injuries and many of the conditions described above.