How to Treat Runner's Feet

Last week, I discussed taking care of your feet as a runner. This week I wanted to discuss how to treat runner’s feet problems. I’m not a doctor, but who really wants gross feet. Not me.

No one wants gross feet, especially during the summer. Even taking care of your feet by buying the right socks and shoes, you might find yourself with a common foot problem.

So how can you treat runner’s feet?

There are many different “problems” runners can face with their feet. A lot of these problems stem from too small or not appropriately fitting shoes. If I ever gave you any life advice, it’s to get the right size shoe. Too many problems come when the shoe is too small.

Bruises and Black Toenails:

First step: Do nothing. One of the most important steps for treating a runner’s feet when dealing with toenails is not doing anything. Don’t force it to fall off; it will on its own.

If it gets too painful, then, of course, go to a podiatrist. Typically bruised or black toenails will fall off within 6 months. I recently bruised my fingernail, and it took about 6 months for the bruise to finally go away.

If you find yourself always having bruised and black toenails, it might be a chronic issue for you. Many sports podiatrists can determine if you are lifting your toes while working out or gripping your toes to the bottom of the shoe. They’ll be able to offer a specialized orthotic.

Blisters:

Blisters and how to treat runners’ feet go hand and hand. What runner hasn’t had a blister? They might not seem like “a serious injury,” but boy, are they painful.

The age-old question: should you pop a blister? This is a highly debated topic on how to treat runner’s feet when it comes to blisters. The general professional consensus is don’t pop a blister. While it can relieve pain, it can also create an infection.

If you find yourself needing to pop the blister, get professional help. I can almost guarantee you; a popped, infected blister is worse than an unpopped painful blister.

Foot Fungus and Athletes Foot:

Ok, not one of the more common issues when talking about treating runner’s feet, but it’s something you might deal with. If you find yourself with itchy feet or toes, it might be fungus. It’s gross, but it happens.

Most people don’t realize the number of sweat glands your feet have. The soles of your feet can produce a lot of sweat. Plus, with socks and shoes, you often don’t get enough open air. Bacteria and fungus love damp and wet places. Change your shoes and socks often.

You can usually buy an anti-fungal cream to take care of it. When in doubt about treating runner’s feet, check with your doctor—a theme of this post.

Calluses:

What are calluses? They are simply thickened skin that is formed by pressure on the same spot over and over again. If you’ve ever gotten your nails done, you know the nail tech might want to shave them all off. Usually, calluses won’t impede your running. Why even include them in a post about how to treat runner’s feet problems? You don’t need to get rid of them unless they are causing pain. Then it’s time to talk to your doctor.

Plantar fasciitis:

One of the hardest injuries to spell, say and have. When talking about treating runner’s feet problems, plantar Fasciitis has knocked many runners out. In short, you should go to a podiatrist as soon as you feel it coming on. The earlier you catch plantar fasciitis, the better.

It’s also an injury that means you need to do everything correctly: the stretching, the boot, the doctor’s orders. If you don’t, you won’t heal. Most sports doctors and podiatrists will give a variety of stretches and activities to help you treat it. In short, don’t outrun it. Seek professional help immediately, or it will only get worse.

Stress fractures:

Stress fractures are probably the most injury to have when thinking of treating a runner’s feet. The only thing you can do is rest. You’ll want to go to a doctor to get an X-ray or MRI to confirm it. The doctor will probably give you a walking boot, and you’ll be out for anywhere from 6-8 weeks for minor stress fractures and a few months for major. If you take a rest immediately and don’t run through it, it will be shorter. The longer you run on a stress fracture, the longer it will take to heal.

Metatarsalgia:

A lot of people haven’t heard of this common foot issue. What is Metatarsalgia? It’s an irritation of the tissue, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints surrounding the metatarsal bones of the foot. Sometimes it’s because the shoe is too small; other times, it’s excessive contact with the ground while running.

To treat this runner’s foot issue, you’ll want to go to the doctor. Typically they’ll recommend an orthotic as well as getting a bigger running shoe to allow your toes to spread out.

How to Treat Runners Feet Problems Conclusion:

A lot of runners’ feet issues can be treated by buying the appropriate footwear for you. If you find yourself in pain or cannot do the things you enjoy, it’s time to take serious action and treat your runner’s feet and/or issue.