Foot complaints in athletes: what can you do?

Sport loads the foot harder: more kilometres, more impact and more moisture. Blisters, black nails and callus are the most common complaints.

The explanation

A blister comes from friction combined with moisture. Choose seamless sports socks that wick moisture, make sure the shoe is secured around the instep and tape a hot spot immediately; a hot spot is a blister that has not happened yet.

A bluish black toenail after a long run is a bruise under the nail, usually because the foot slides forward in a shoe that is too short. There should be a thumb's width between your longest toe and the front of the shoe when standing.

A thin layer of callus on the ball of the foot is normal for athletes and even functional. Do not have it fully removed just before a race; leaving ten days is wiser.

Patty's advice

Trim your nails a few days before a race, not the night before. Any tender edge will then have settled.

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