Foot care for athletes is podological care for the skin and nail problems that come from repeated load, friction and impact in people who train regularly. Running, football, basketball, tennis, dance, hiking and gym work all stress the feet in different ways. The result can be corns, calluses, blisters, bruising under the nails (often called runner’s toe or black toenail) and ingrown nails. The aim of this care is to deal with these issues early and support your comfort in training.
Sports injuries, musculoskeletal pain and structural problems are outside the scope of podology. In those cases we refer you to an orthopedist or a sports medicine doctor, while podological care stays focused on the health of your skin and nails.
Who is it for?
- People who get blisters after runs, matches or long training sessions
- Anyone developing corns or calluses on the ball of the foot, heel or toes
- People with bruising under a toenail or nail edges that dig in
- Dancers, ballet dancers and martial artists who train barefoot or in specialist shoes
- Anyone preparing their feet for a marathon, long-distance hike or tournament
- People dealing with sweaty feet and the odor or friction that can come with it
What happens in a session?
- Sport and load assessment: We talk about your sport, how often you train and the shoes and socks you use, then check your skin, nails and friction marks to identify pressure areas.
- Hygiene and sterile preparation: Your feet are cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and sterile instruments and single-use materials are used.
- Nail care: Nails are cut straight across to a length that will not press inside your shoes, and the edges are cleaned. Any tendency to ingrow is assessed separately.
- Skin care: Corns and calluses caused by friction are reduced in a controlled way. Calluses are not removed completely; a thin protective layer may be left. Any blistered areas are assessed and protected appropriately.
- Protection and advice: Protective pads or taping may be suggested for friction areas, and we go over footwear, socks and post-training care.
Foot care tips for active people
- Choose shoes designed for your sport, and try them on at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen.
- Leave roughly a thumb’s width of space in front of your longest toe.
- Break in new shoes with short sessions before a race or long workout.
- Wear moisture-wicking, seam-free sports socks, and do not stay in wet socks for long.
- Do not pop blisters; keep them clean and covered.
- Wash and dry your feet thoroughly after training, and wear sandals in locker rooms.
When should you see a doctor?
The following signs go beyond the scope of podological care and need a doctor’s assessment:
- Swelling, bruising and pain that makes it hard to bear weight after an impact
- Throbbing, quickly spreading bleeding under a nail
- A blister with redness, warmth or discharge
- Itchy, peeling or cracked skin between the toes, which may be athlete’s foot (a dermatologist should assess it)
- Heel, arch or Achilles pain that gets worse with training
In these cases we refer you to an orthopedist, a sports medicine doctor or a dermatologist. After their assessment, podological care can be planned around your training schedule.
