Running is not only a great form of exercise but it’s a great opportunity to get some fresh air and explore your local area. Whether you’re pounding on concrete or bouncing through a grassy field, running can put some strain on your feet.
We’ve created a list of tips below on how to treat your feet after you’ve been for a run.
1. Examine Your Shoes
If you find that your feet are quite sore after running, this may be down to the type of shoes you are wearing. There is not one perfect shoe for everyone so it’s important to try on lots and find the right shoe for you. If you can, have two pairs of shoes for running so you can rotate them. This way, the cushioning bounces back between runs and the wear pattern on your body from the shoes is not the same all the time.
The best thing to do before buying a new pair of shoes for running, is to have a footwear assessment with a professional, to find the most suitable shoes for you. At Podiatry & Wellness Clinic, we offer a Biomechanical Assessment which includes a footwear assessment. The podiatrist will examine your feet and posture, and advise you on the best type of shoes for you. They can also assess your current footwear.
2. Massage Your Feet
Nothing beats a nice foot massage after a long run. Start by warming up the tissue of the foot with your two thumbs by working from the heel bone to the base, and gently pushing your thumbs away from one another. Work your way up to your toes, then with one hand, squeeze all of your toes together and gently add some pressure to fold the toes towards the base of the foot and then push back.
Alternatively, you can book yourself in for a massage at Podiatry & Wellness Clinic. We offer a range of massages, from reflexology to full body massage.
3. Moisturise Your Feet
After a long run, your feet are likely to get sweaty and your soles may start to crack. Invest in a decent moisturiser and, after giving your feet a good wash and thorough dry, rub the moisturiser into your feet. It’s suggested that you should moisturise your feet daily, so even if you take a day off from running, continue to take care of your feet and keep them well moisturised.
4. See a Podiatrist
There is no better foot specialist than a trained podiatrist so if you’re having any problems with your feet, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with one.
The NHS recommends regular foot check-ups with a podiatrist, and if you’re running regularly then it’s a good idea to treat your feet to an appointment with an expert.
If you suffer with any sports injuries, we offer Biomechanical Assessments with our podiatrist or Physiotherapy and Sports Massage with our physiotherapist.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like some more information about the treatments we offer or if you’d like to book an appointment with one of our specialists.