Foot care health centre

Relief for exercising feet

Don't let foot problems sideline your fitness goals.

WebMD Feature

Medically Reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks

You've finally started that exercise programme, and you're beginning to feel the excitement of a healthy new lifestyle.

However, just as you're starting to feel the benefits of working out, you're sidelined with achy feet - corns, calluses, blisters, maybe even an injury that not only compromises your fitness goals but can make even waiting for the bus feel like you're standing on a bed of nails.

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"The small foot problems that probably don't make much difference at other times can suddenly become a very big deal when you begin putting significant stress on your feet, as you do when you're starting an exercise programme," says podiatrist Dr Dominic Catanese.

If you suffer from diabetes, experts say, even seemingly insignificant foot woes can turn into major medical problems if you're not careful.

"When blood sugar isn't under good control you can develop neuropathy - a lack of feeling in the feet that can prevent you from recognising both the early warning signs of trouble, as well as when the problems themselves occur," says Dr Morris Morin, a professor of podiatric medicine.

This, combined with compromised circulation in the lower extremities, can also make it harder for even a simple foot injury to heal. "It can end up sidelining you for weeks or even months," says Morin.

The good news is that, over time, feet can get used to new stresses, allowing skin to grow thicker and tougher so fewer problems occur.

In the meantime, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of common workout-related foot problems and keep your feet feeling healthy and happy.

To help you put your best foot forward, we asked three top foot specialists for advice. Here are five things they think you should know.

1. Don't skimp on footwear

It's hard to walk through you favourite discount centre and not stop at those tables piled high with low-priced trainers, but buy them, say experts, and your feet will pay.

There is a difference between trainers. ?If you are serious enough about your health to start an exercise programme, you have to be serious enough to invest in good footwear, and doing so will help you avoid many injuries," says Dr Ken Plancher, an orthopaedic and sports medicine specialist.

Here's what Plancher says you should look for:

Check for solid construction with a flexible toe bed (your shoe bends when your foot bends), a strong heel counter (the area that hugs the back of your foot), and most important, padded insoles and arch support.
Look for a "cross trainer" shoe, which works for all-around athletic wear.
Shop in an athletic footwear shop, where an assistant should not only measure your feet, but also ask about any biomechanical problems such as flat feet, or weak or pronating ankles, before suggesting styles.