If you are an active individual, chances are your feet will show it sooner rather than later, especially when you don’t care for your feet after strenuous exercises. Whether it’s doing a number of sports, running, hiking, playing soccer, and the like, your feet can become rough and can feel achy over time.
Taking care of your feet after exercising is a great way to keep soreness, swelling, and injuries at bay. Below are some ways on keeping your feet healthy after running or doing some sports.
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Check Your Feet for Blisters
Your feet are under a lot of stress, especially when they have been under a lot of work and activity. After exercising, take the time to inspect your feet for some areas of concern, such as blisters and cuts.
If you have one, you should drain these and clean the area with soap and water and put a pad to keep the area protected. While the blisters will heal on their own, you can help hasten their healing by following these steps.
Adding an antiseptic and a needle to address your blisters, alongside a bandage, can keep them clean and sterile, aiding their healing.
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Practice Immediate Wound Care
If you have cuts and wounds, as well as other injuries, administering the necessary wound care treatment prevents your wounds from festering or worsening. As with blisters, you should also wash and clean your wounds and use an antiseptic afterward.
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Don’t Forget to Moisturize
Your feet can get rough and calloused. Regular moisturization can keep your feet soft and soothed, preventing cracks and dryness from taking place. Using dedicated lotions and creams designed solely for the feet can really rehydrate the skin.
Take it a step further by wearing socks at night to seal in the moisture. This helps prevent heel fissures and blisters, while there are special creams that are designed to relieve specific symptoms, such as plantar fasciitis and even nerve pain.
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Cut Your Toenails
Many athletes and runners tend to get black toenails over the course of their careers. This can result from the toenails constantly hitting the front of the shoe.
Although you can’t avoid getting black toenails forever, especially when you’re remaining active, you can stay on top of your feet health and hygiene by clipping your toenails short. You won’t regret this step knowing you can prevent your toes from being damaged.
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Get Regular Checkups
Training and exercising can take a toll on your feet. Don’t forget to get regular checkups with your doctor or a podiatrist so that they can keep your feet health in check. These experts will not only check for sores or nerve pain, but they can also teach you how to properly take care of your feet at all times.
The Bottom Line
Living an active lifestyle does not have to mean sacrificing our feet health. When you get into less-than-ideal feet situations, don’t hesitate to call a podiatrist who can help you out. From fungal infections to other common foot problems, these doctors can provide the treatment your feet need.
