Introduction

When it comes to exercise, we tend to take our feet for granted. But this is a mistake. Many people don’t realise the huge pressures that are placed on their feet while exercising. For example, a 150-pound jogger puts a total of more than 150 tons of impact on his feet when running three miles.

The following are common problems caused by improper foot care during exercise:

• Athlete’s foot
• Blisters
• Corns and calluses
• Heel pain

The following sections detail some of the specific risks that various sports present to the feet and ankles, and how you can minimise these risks.

Treatment

The immediate goal of treatment is pain relief. Because symptoms generally worsen with activity, the main treatment is rest, which helps to relieve pressure on the heel bone, decreasing swelling and reducing pain.

A specialist may also recommend:

• Foot and leg exercises to stretch and strengthen the leg muscles and tendons
• The application of ice (wrapped in a towel, not applied directly to the skin) to the injured heel for 20 minutes two or three times per day.
• The use of an elastic wrap or compression stocking
• Medicines such as ibuprofen

In very severe cases, the doctor might recommend that the child wear a cast for anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks to immobilise the foot so that it can heal.