How to Run Without Foot Pain

Jogging is one routine which is meant to keep you fit. Then isn’t it a bit of irony that joggers often run into foot problems! The fact is that jogging is good for overall health but proves harder on feet. As compared to other physical activities, during jogging the foot gets stressed the most. No wonder foot pain is a common symptom for recreational as well as competitive runners.

In order to counter enormous pounding that your feet take during jogging, it is very important to concentrate on proper footwear. According to expert podiatrists, running related foot pain happens because of ill-fitting running shoes.

How to Prevent Running Foot Problems

Only effective solution lies in picking up appropriate and comfortable footwear. Opt for running shoes that come with extra padding. This cushions your feet and protects it from the impact of continuous pounding. Also, running footwear is designed to support and stabilize the arch portion. Again keep in mind that running shoes are not the same as exercise shoes which are used for aerobics, tennis or other such sports.

In extreme cases, podiatrists suggest customized footwear matching your foot type and gait. Thus, a good idea is to visit any specialty running store only. They will suggest particular shoe after assessing your specific foot problem.

Don’t break into a run immediately after you reach the track. Take some time to stretch which helps reduce strain of tendons, muscles and joint portions. Usually experts suggest at least 10 minutes of warm up before starting the jogging. Start slowly and take time to build up speed and distance. Make sure your foot is dry during running.

However, if your foot pain just doesn’t subside in spite of every precaution then a visit to an expert podiatrist is highly suggested. He might suggest orthotics or some other remedies to ease painful running foot.

How to Pick Footwear that Prevents Sweaty Foot

Summer season always challenges your skin. Especially, this is the month when your feet demand special attention too. If you are already suffering from foot conditions like bunions, plantar fasciitis or diabetes related complications, then these might worsen from the scorching heat. Constant sweating of your feet may result in blisters or hard, cracked skin during this time.

Rather than being too panicky about why your feet problems are deteriorating during summer, you need to take a close look at certain factors. Selecting the right footwear will save you from sweaty foot!

• When the heat becomes unbearable, this is the natural tendency to kick off shoes and feel relaxed. By doing so, you might be inviting some serious problems. Going barefoot is never advised because the heat and humidity can affect your tender foot skin. Foot infections can also happen if the walking area is not clean. Especially those suffering from diabetes should never go barefoot.
• People are often inclined to pick up flip-flops since these look cool, fashionable and beat the heat too. The problem is that super-flimsy flip-flops do not take care of your foot health. These provide no support to your feet and hence extremely harmful for those suffering from flat feet and high arches. Then the thong portion of the flip-flop might cause skin irritation. By wearing flip-flops you become susceptible to sudden accident or scrubbed toes since the footwear doesn’t stabilize your feet in anyway. In fact, foot experts feel that such footwear can cause similar harm just like high-heels or pointed shoes.  
• Don’t let your feet remain wet for too long. This might sound quite an implausible task, more so, if you need to travel often in the sweltering heat. Problem is that your sweaty feet may cause summer blisters. So, make sure that you change socks daily and opt for the ones with at least 70% cotton or wool. This surely helps in keeping your foot dry.
• There are certain foot ailments that cause perspiration and extreme discomfort, if you are wearing inappropriate footwear. So it is very important to select shoes matching your foot problem. Take for instance plantar fasciitis, for which podiatrists suggest shoes with cushioned heels, heel cradles or heel cups. For bunion feet, a good idea is to pick up shoes with wide toe boxes to lessen pain.  Podiatrists also recommend forefoot products like bunion shields, night splints or bunion bandages. Some effective remedies for diabetic foot include wearing shoes with high and wide toe boxes. Removable insoles where you can fit orthotics also help in this regard.

Thus it can be deducted that while picking up footwear for summer months, you need to take practical decisions. A flip-flop might fulfill your fashion quotient but is not advisable for whole day use. The best idea is to consult an expert podiatrist for helpful maintenance tips for your sweaty feet.