Even the least athletic people know that sports are an important
basis for a healthy life. But depending on the type and extent of sporting
performance, both smaller and bigger foot problems can occur. Aside from
blisters and weals, serious foot deformities are also possible. Good foot
health is therefore very important for continuous athletic performance.
The foot forms a unit together with the
talocalcanean and knee joints, the hip and
spine. Complications in one part of the system
may have serious effects on other parts. In
simple terms, the foot forms the skeletal
base in this unit. It makes it possible to
maintain our balance when standing, and
supports the movement process when
walking. Due to its stable foundation,
sporting activities such as jumping,
running, dancing or climbing are possible
in the first place. Complications on the foot
may therefore be accompanied by destabilisation
of the entire body statics.
Severe strain
Intensive athletic training may cause excess
foot strain, especially in running sports.
The affected area first shows skin problems
such as blisters or weals which the affected
person usually does not take seriously. But
even these comparatively harmless problems
can change the movement processes
during sports, and quickly impair the entire
body statics.
Good advice for athletes’ feet
Athletes’ feet fundamentally do not need
any other care than normal feet. A relaxing
footbath, a careful nail trim and the removal
of excess callus as well as rich care are just
as important for athletically active feet as for
any others. Foot care pros are also often the
first point of contact for more complex foot
problems. For podology plays an important
role beside classic foot and nail care in so
called biomechanical questions (problems
which affect the structure and function of
the locomotor apparatus).
The first step always is to obtain a medical
history – that is, collect the patient’s previous
history. This can already provide the first
conclusions regarding possible foot problems.
In athletes, one should specifically address
the nature and frequency of the sports.
Recognising problems
Athletic customers must be sensitised to
pay attention to the development of foot
malpositions, and have regular orthopaedic
check-ups. For the greater the foot strain,
the higher the risk of altering the entire
postural apparatus. A foot inspection can identify
initial changes on the foot. An inspection of the lower
extremities is generally done from the dorsal
(top of the foot) to the medial (inside), lateral
(outside) and plantar (sole of the foot) position
while standing, and then while lying down
in the prone position. This allows an
assessment of the longitudinal foot arch,
the soft tissues of the foot, frontal foot and
rear foot axis, the individual toe positions,
nail and skin changes, callus weals,
pressure spots, clavi, mycoses, axis positions
of the legs, angled pelvis position, varicosities
and joint swelling.
Aside from foot deformities and malpositions
such as callus weals, heel spur or hallux
valgus (balls of the feet), abnormalities in
the gait or repeated weals in the same region
can also provide indicators of a biomechanical
problem.
Avoiding and treating blisters
Perhaps the most common problems,
which especially affects endurance athletes,
involve blisters. If friction constantly acts
on a specific spot of the skin, hollow
spaces which fill with fluids may form in
the lower layers. A combination of medicinal
soap, lanolin, Vaseline and talcum as it is
contained in GEHWOL FOOT CREAM can
prevent blisters. Applied one millimetre
thick, the recipe forms a kind of protective
layer over the skin and allows for better
gliding in closed footwear. Friction resistance
is minimised, and the foot is protected
against nuisance blisters. If a painful blister
has already formed, special blister plasters
can effectively relieve pressure pain and
accelerate the healing process. Compeed
blister plasters, for instance, are based on a
hypoallergenic, actively breathing hydrocolloid
system. It contains a gel-like liquid
which withdraws moisture from the blister
without drying out the skin. Combined
with the wound secretions, this forms a
gentle cushion which reduces pressure on
the sensitive spot when walking and
encourages natural wound healing.
Where does the shoe squeeze you?
The right shoes are an important prerequisite
for avoiding foot problems. Excessively
tight shoes or resistance in the shoes, such
as seams or pebbles, are usually responsible
for the formation of blisters and weals. But
the wrong socks can also cause friction
when walking. Fundamentally, the shoes
have to be adapted to the corresponding
types of sports and the performance intensity.
No more foot fungus
Particularly in athletes, who sweat a lot and
are often in changing rooms and shared
shower rooms, there is a pronounced risk of
foot fungus. The practical GEHWOL med
Nail Protection Pen can be used to prevent
foot fungus. Aside from vitamin E, jojoba
oil, panthenol and bisabolol for a stable,
shiny nail structure, the pen contains an
effective active substance against fungal
pathogens in the form of clotrimazole.
However these pathogens are also in the
shoes, especially sweaty athletes’ footwear.
Their moist and warm climate offers them
ideal feeding grounds. Therefore: always
ventilate the athletic footwear thoroughly
at home, and best of all, regularly disinfect
it. Odaban is an antiperspirant spray,
with antimicrobial active substances, it
prevents fungus and keeps odour, itching
and blistering at bay.
Preventive care
In principle, the following is true: Only feet
which are well cared for will be ready for
the high-level strains which they encounter
during sports. Excess callus, which can be
formed through sporting strain, is quickly
and easily removed with GEHWOL med
Callus Cream. The monthly treatment
contains high concentrations of urea, as
well as other intensifying ingredients such
as allantoin, silk extracts and avocado oil.
Together, these active ingredients directly
lead to an intensive softening effect on the
callus layer, and noticeable reduce excess
callus after only a few days. To prevent
excess callus from forming in the first
place, it is especially important for athletes
to care for the stressed skin regularly, using
a rich specialized cream. GEHWOL med
Lipidro Cream, for instance, provides the
skin with a balanced mix of fats and a lot of
moisture, effectively caring for dry, brittle
athletes’ feet.