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Maybe you're part of a professional league, or perhaps you simply won't miss your weekly pickleball game. No matter how you prefer to stay active, the demands made on your feet and lower limbs can lead to a range of injuries, including blisters, sprained ankles, torn ligaments, and other joint or muscle problems. Added to these are common complaints such as toenail fungus and athlete's foot. Your running style, poor footwear, and even minor limb length differences can also contribute to injury.
At Neville Foot and Ankle Centers, we have an experienced team of medical and surgical specialists whose sole focus is to provide the best advice and dedicated treatment.
As licensed podiatrists, we believe our patients deserve access to the information necessary to make informed choices about their foot and ankle care. Here are our suggestions for athletic foot care—don't hesitate to schedule an appointment at one of our four convenient locations in the Greater Houston area to learn more.
Need to Improve Your Athletic Foot Care? Here's How
Staying active puts extra demands on your feet, and the right habits help prevent injuries, boost performance, and keep you moving comfortably from warm-up to recovery.
- Wear correct shoes. Give the same consideration to footwear as any other piece of sporting equipment. Sports shoes should protect as much as possible, be durable, and be right for the sport and surface. If running, make sure your shoes have adequate cushioning in the midsole and a flared heel for stability.
- Wash your feet every day, and dry thoroughly. Use soap and warm water, then dry carefully between the toes to reduce moisture that can lead to odor, Athlete’s foot, and irritation.
- Wear only good-quality, well-fitting cotton socks. Choose socks that stay snug without bunching, and change them after workouts or when damp to help prevent blisters and skin breakdown.
- Get in shape. Carrying extra weight or jumping into an activity too quickly puts a lot of strain on your feet. Build fitness gradually, and make a habit of warming up and cooling down with 15–20 minutes of stretching before and after exercise to keep muscles flexible and help prevent overuse injuries.
