We talk a lot about how important foot care is for walking and running, but it’s just as important for cycling! Even though you aren’t putting as much pressure on your feet, they’re still the things that keep you going—and when they hurt, cycling can become impossible.
Keep reading for more information on proper foot care when cycling!
Wearing the Right Shoes
If you’re serious about cycling, you’ll need special cycling shoes to make sure everything keeps running smoothly. When you’re cycling, your body is in a very unique position—putting stress on different parts of your feet and requiring body alignment you might not be used to if you’re a beginner.
You’ll want to find well-fitting shoes with a steady shank—the supportive structure between the soles of your shoes that stabilizes your arch. This will help transfer power from your feet to your bike pedals efficiently. Regular sneakers might offer enough support while walking or running, but while pedaling they can allow your foot to collapse through the arch and cause problems down the line.
Never try to squeeze your feet into tight shoes. Make sure you have plenty of room to wiggle your toes. In addition to making sure you get comfortable shoes, make sure your shoes accommodate any minor deformities you may have, like bunions of hammertoes.
Foot Care When Cycling
One of the best things you can do to take care of your feet while cycling is to make sure you’re cycling properly! A lot of pain and discomfort can be avoided by proper form, especially if you’re going long distances or cycling every day. Try to make sure that your hands, shoulders, and the front axle are all in line.
If you find that your knee starts to hurt after you ride, the first thing you should do is check your form! If it’s difficult to tell how your form is seated on the bike, set up your phone to film yourself sitting or riding on the bike. This will give you a better view and allow you to see where the problem might be. If you’re doing everything correctly and still experiencing pain, visit your podiatrist. They’ll be able to assess whether or not you need extra support or custom orthotic inserts to help align your body.
It’s also important that you take care of your body before and after your cycle, just like with any other sport or exercise! Stretching beforehand is a great way to help avoid injury—just don’t forget about your feet! They need stretching, too. Remember not to push yourself too hard and to rest when you need to.
Experiencing Foot Pain?
When we take good care of our feet, the rest of our body benefits. Everything is connected, after all! If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in your feet, knees, or lower back, it might be time to see your podiatrist. Make an appointment with Foot Specialists of Birmingham today and get back to doing what you love!