As a sports person, it is important to pay special attention to your feet with regards to foot hygiene, the cutting of nails, type of socks, stockings and hosiery worn, type of footwear nd other matters concerning the feet.
NAILS
Your nails should be attended to on a regular basis using a pair of ordinary nail clippers. The nails of the sports person may thicken due to injury, therefore, it would be easier to cut nails after bath time. Nails should be cut making sure that you follow the length and shape of the toe so as to minimize damage to the nail during the re-growth stage. NEVER probe the nail grove or any part of the nail. Should you suffer any pain or discomfort, consult the Foot Health Professional for help and advice.
CORNS & CALLUSES
It is important for the sports person to know that any corn or callus should be treated by a qualified Practitioner and that removal of these disorders should not be attempted by the patient. Equally, the use of corn cures may have an effect on the patient due to medicaments in the preparations.
HYGIENE
Your feet should be washed daily in tepid water using a mild toilet soap. After washing, the feet should be carefully rinsed in plain water and properly dried paying special attention to between the toes. This is very important as the floors in swimming baths / sports centres or any changing rooms require the drying of feet properly to reduce the risk of infections especially fungal infections. It is important that you change to a clean pair of socks / stockings / hosiery after exercise.
FOOTWEAR
Wearing of the correct footwear is not just the fashion of that sport but, they are designed for the stresses the feet undergo during that type of exercise and the feet will be held firmly and hopefully no damage will be sustained. To be sure that the footwear is suitable for your feet, walk on a solid area of the store NOT on the carpeted floor. It is best to have your feet measured when buying footwear. Feet must be measured when standing as this is when the true size is known.
FIRST AID
If any minor injury should happen to you (eg cuts or bruises), clean the area with surgical spirit and apply a mild antiseptic cream (eg savlon). Do be careful about strapping / adhesive dressings as these may cause pressure to that area of the foot. Blisters on the feet should be left alone and should NOT be punctured (pricked) to release the fluid but should be left to dry up on their own accord and discharge their contents, dress with an antiseptic dressing. It may be necessary to visit your Practitioner or GP if the injury is not responding to the treatment.
UNHEALTHY FEET
If you notice any discharge coming from a break in the skin, from a nail or a corn, it is important that you visit your Practitioner. If there is pain, itching, swelling or colour change in the foot or leg then visit the Foot Health Practitioner.