Many sports and activity-related foot problems can begin as “minor” friction, pressure, or repetitive stress. For example, that thick callus on your foot may seem harmless… until it starts changing how you walk. Almost everything we do requires our feet to work well, from playing sports to walking around the grocery store.
Whenever we stand, walk, or run for longer periods of time, we are continuously applying repetitive pressure and friction to the soles of your feet. If we factor in the dark environment that shoes provide, and the moisture that sweat creates, you begin to see skin break down, nails getting damaged, and so on. The best way to monitor and address these concerns is with routine, professional skin and nail care. At BioPed, we call this Medical Footcare.
Corns and Calluses
When skin thickens on our feet, we begin to notice corns and calluses. These skin lesions develop as a result of repeated pressure or friction. Calluses and corns are your skin’s way of protecting itself from repeated pressure and friction, especially from activities like running, walking, sports, or long hours on your feet. Over time, this thickened skin can become uncomfortable, painful, and even affect the way you walk. Calluses usually develop on the heels or balls of the feet, while corns are smaller, deeper areas that often form on or between the toes. Although they may seem minor, leaving them untreated can lead to increased pain, skin breakdown, or irritation. Medical foot care involves safely trimming corns and calluses, to relieve pressure and keep your feet comfortable so you can stay active and moving with confidence.
Blisters
Blisters are commonly caused by friction, moisture, and pressure during activity or prolonged time on your feet. While they may seem minor, improperly treated blisters can break open and increase the risk of infection. Medical foot care can help protect the area, reduce discomfort, and promote proper healing to keep you moving comfortably.
Toenail Trauma
Toenail trauma can occur from dropping something on a toe, or more commonly, with repetitive activity causing impact on the toes. Activities like running, hiking, soccer, or wearing tight footwear can lead to toenail damage. While it may start as mild discomfort, untreated nail trauma can sometimes lead to pain, ingrown nails, or infection. Medical foot care can help manage damaged nails through safe trimming and debridement, while also identifying possible causes such as footwear fit or pressure points. Additionally, where blood is pooling under the nail, the clinician can evacuate the blood or monitor for infection.
What Happens During a Medical Footcare Visit
If you have concerns around foot pain, injury or aesthetics, you can book an appointment at BioPed clinics to have the concerns assessed. This includes a skin assessment, toenail assessment, looking at pressure points, footwear discussion, and reviewing your activity history. Treatments may include gentle callus debridement, corn reduction, nail reduction, filing, and education on at-home care and prevention strategies.
If you believe that your feet would benefit from having a medical footcare clinician look at them, book an appointment at your nearest BioPed location today!
