If you have your races booked for the spring and summer, it’s time to start prepping now! Taking proper care of your feet—and making sure your gear is ready to go—will make the difference between a fun and successful triathlon season and having to quit early thanks to injury. Keep reading for our top tips when it comes to triathlon foot care.
Triathlon Foot Care
Odds are, your triathlon training is body-focused: As in, strengthening your core, legs, and arms is your top priority. But your feet are just as important to consider when preparing for something as physically demanding as a triathlon! They’re the foundation of your body, and take on a lot of impact and stress. Making sure they’re taken care of is crucial in avoiding injury. Here’s what you can do to help with your triathlon foot care this season.
Tip #1: Leave Blisters Alone
This tip might seem counterintuitive—if you get a big blister, your instinct is to remove it so the skin underneath can start to heal. But, in reality, blisters are your skin’s way of protecting itself against friction! So, do your best to leave them alone. If they refuse to go away, or are abnormally large or painful, contact your podiatrist.
Tip #2: Take Care of Your Skin
While leaving blisters alone, you should still be pampering the skin on your feet. As you paddle, peddle, and pound the pavement, your feet are susceptible to extreme dryness and even cracking. Make sure you’re keeping them nice and moisturized during training.
While you don’t want too much moisture in your shoes while running or biking, putting some lotion on your feet every night will help them stay smooth and hydrated. If there’s a lot of dead skin or your feet are particularly dry, opt for a professional pedicure!
Tip #3: Keep Your Toenails Trimmed
The last thing you want is a toenail rubbing on the inside of your shoe, or worse, a loose toenail! Make sure you’re keeping your toenails trimmed short, but not too short. Another tip to keep in mind is that cutting them straight across will help you avoid ingrown toenails! If your toenails are particularly stubborn, try soaking them in warm water for a few minutes before trimming.
Tip #4: Buy Your Shoes In Person
We know, we know—ordering online is so easy! But when it comes to something as important as your triathlon shoes, you’ll want to put in the time and effort to make sure they’re right for you. If you can, go to a specialized store that caters to athletes like you. They’ll be able to find the perfect fit, and can even recommend shoe types based on your gait! Be sure to ask them for sock recommendations as well.
Make Sure Your Feet Are in Tip-Top Shape for Triathlon Season
If you’re experiencing any discomfort or pain in your feet, it’s time to address it so you can go back to doing what you love! From ingrown toenails to more serious issues like plantar fasciitis, call Foot Specialists of Birmingham to schedule an appointment today. We can help with your triathlon foot care and more.
