If you’ve never heard of a Spartan race, here’s a quick definition: it’s a race consisting of a series of obstacles ranging from three miles to marathon distances. If you’ve competed in one before, then you’re familiar with how challenging—yet exhilarating—these races are! But, like with any race, they can wreak havoc on your feet. Keep reading for how to take care of foot injuries after your race.
Spartan Race Foot Injuries
It’s no secret that Spartan races are tough on your body. There are a lot of activities your body isn’t used to—like climbing, running downhill, rough impact, and more. Training well before your race is the best way to avoid shocking your body come race day! That being said, regardless of how hard you train, anyone can experience post-race foot injuries.
If you’re experiencing foot pain after your race, the first step toward a thorough recovery is to figure out where the pain is.
Did you twist your ankle climbing over an obstacle? Is your arch feeling sore or stretched out? Is one of your toes (or multiple) bothering you when you walk? Figuring out where exactly the pain is coming from—and what type of pain it is—is crucial to healing the affected area as quickly and effectively as possible.
Generally speaking, once you pinpoint the type and area of pain, you can start implementing some at-home remedies. If your pain is severe (or you think something may be broken), you should see a podiatrist right away.
At-Home Treatment for Foot Injuries
If the pain you’re experiencing isn’t too severe, or your podiatrist has sent you home to recover, here are some things you can do at home to speed up your recovery after a Spartan race:
Ice Your Foot
Ice your foot (or feet) on and off for about 10–15 minutes at a time. This will help with any swelling that might occur, and may even speed up your recovery. It should also take some of the pain away! You can also take some over-the-counter pain reliever to assist with inflammation.
Wear Proper Footwear
This tip goes for while you’re training, during your race, and to treat post-race foot injuries—basically, you should always be wearing proper footwear! The arch of your foot and your ankles need support. Failing to provide that support can result in foot injuries more often than not!
Strengthen Your Feet
Once your foot is on the mend, it’s a good idea to start getting your strength back in that area. Even if you aren’t suffering from a foot injury, it’s a good idea to strengthen your feet and ankles to prevent future foot injuries. Drawing circles in the air with your big toe is a great way to strengthen your ankles. You can also practice picking up marbles with your feet to strengthen your arches and toes!
Make Sure You’re Ready for Your Next Race!
Foot injuries are extremely frustrating. Your feet allow you to do so many cool things, and when they’re down for the count it’s not fun. Make sure you take preventative measures to avoid injuries and, if you do get injured, make sure to go see a professional! If you’re currently dealing with any kind of foot injury, make an appointment with Foot Specialists of Birmingham today!
