Common foot problems faced by runners – and how to solve them
Whether you’re taking on a marathon or running a 5k parkrun, your feet will make or break a run and a problem could put you off the activity for good. “Runners’ feet take a real battering, as you will know if you have recently run a marathon or even if you are new to running,” says GP Dr Gill Jenkins, an adviser to Excilor. “Feet bashing on hard ground, sweaty socks and shoes can all play havoc with your feet.” So, what problems could you face and how can you stop them hindering your progress? Blisters “Hot and sweaty feet usually mean blisters. As you start to run, your feet sweat, and the moisture in your shoes can cause friction, leading to blisters, says Joss Baldwin, Runners Need buyer. “Investing in a pair of running shoes made from breathable fabrics, with mesh vents on the uppers, boost airflow and allow any moisture to escape your shoes – reducing your risk of blisters,” “It’s also important to ensure your running shoes fit properly – shoes that are too tight or too loose increase the chance of rubbing and friction, only adding to the likelihood of blisters occurring.” Many trainer brands and sports shops such as Runners Need and ASICS offer gait analysis to help you choose the best-fitting shoes. “While breathable trainers are vital, wearing the appropriate socks will reduce your risk of soreness and rubbing. Invest in a good pair of technical run socks to keep your feet cool and wick the moisture away from your skin. Features to look out for are technical and sweat-wicking fabrics, mesh ventilation under the arch, as well as a snug fit,” says Baldwin. Athlete’s foot “Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that occurs between the toes but can spread to the top and bottom of the foot if not treated. It can be very itchy and sore if the skin breaks, plus it spreads quickly in damp environments including running shoes but also changing rooms,” says Jenkins. It should not be ignored, and there are plenty of quick and easy treatments available in pharmacies. Ankle pain “When you’re first getting into running, foot problems can be common, but the good news is they are mostly avoidable,” says Baldwin. “Sometimes it is simply a case of getting your body used to the new activity, but all the time we see new runners in shoes that aren’t right for them. Overpronation, where your foot rolls in excessively, poor fitting and worn-out cushioning can cause a myriad aches and pains in your body. All are really easy to correct by getting a proper shoe fit and gait analysis.” There are different shoes for different activities that can protect your ankles and feet. “Everyone’s feet are different and that means everyone’s running shoe requirements are unique. Choosing the right shoe for your run can help avoid ankle pain,” says Baldwin. “If most of your training is on pavements, then road shoes are for you. With more cushioning than trail or lightweight race shoes, these will provide shock absorption to minimise your risk of injury. If you’re running through soft, muddy trails, you’re better off in a pair of trail shoes with a deep tread that offers better grip and ankle support, vital for running on uneven terrain. On pavements, however, these shoes will be uncomfortable as the studs will press into the soles of your feet and will wear away quickly.” He adds: “If you’re doing a little of each, you should consider a hybrid running shoe. These shoes work well on both roads and mixed trail conditions with a balanced mix of grip and cushioning.” Toenail problems “Toenail problems are commonly caused by a fungal infection and research for Excilor showed 49% of sufferers not aware they had a fungal nail infection,” says Jenkins. “Infections are incredibly common, especially with runners, and are also highly contagious, thriving on damp feet. Symptoms include discoloured nails and itchy and painful feet. Treat nail infections immediately as they can worsen rapidly.” Similarly, running long distances may damage the toenail itself. “The longer we run the warmer our feet get,” says Baldwin. “As they get warmer, they actually start to swell and become bigger. It is really important to take this into account when selecting your shoes. Typically we need to size our running shoes bigger than our normal shoes to stop our toes hitting the end of the shoe, which can cause our toes – and toenails – to become sore or bruised.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Paparazzi driver says Harry and Meghan chase was ‘catastrophic experience’ Regular exercise may lower risk of women developing Parkinson’s disease – study Number of children trying vaping rises 50% in a year
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Fans defend Anne Hathaway after she appears to ‘ignore’ Priyanka Chopra at fashion event
Anne Hathaway fans have defended the Devil Wears Prada star after a viral video purported to show her skipping over Priyanka Chopra Jonas to greet Zendaya at Bulgari’s fashion event in Italy. Hathway, Zendaya, and Chopra Jonas all arrived at the Palazzo Ducale in Venice, Italy, on 16 May to celebrate the launch of Bulgari’s new jewellery collection. The three stars – who are also Bulgari ambassadors – posed for photos together, each wearing dazzling Bulgari necklaces. In a TikTok video shared by Harper’s Bazaar France, the Princess Diaries star is seen walking in front of photographers to greet the Euphoria actor. Chopra Jonas, who is standing beside Zendaya, watches and smiles as the two exchange cheek kisses. The three brand ambassadors appear to compliment each other’s stunning gowns before snapping pictures with Bulgari CEO, Jean-Christophe Babin. Despite the pleasantries, many viewers assumed Hathaway had snubbed Chopra Jonas in favour of Zendaya at the fashion event. As some people claimed Hathaway “ignored” the Citadel star, others chimed in to defend the Ocean’s 8 actor. “Why didn’t she greet Priyanka lol,” commented one TikTok user. “She totally ignored her,” another said. “Priyanka waited for her hug,” a third person wrote. However, many users in the comments explained that Zendaya arrived late to the fashion event and Hathaway had already said hello to Chopra Jonas. @bazaarfrance #zendaya #priyankachopra #annehathaway #bulgari #bulgarihighjewelry #tiktokfashion ♬ Summer day - TimTaj “She didn’t ignore her. Zendaya arrived later than they did,” said one person. “There’s another post of the three of them. They all look fine,” wrote someone else. “Guys. Priyanka Chopra and Anne Hathaway already greeted each other earlier,” another TikToker said. “Please don’t throw hate towards Anne Hathaway.” Hathaway attended the launch of Bulgari’s Mediterranea High Jewellery collection wearing a gold and silver ombre high-slit gown from Atelier Versace. The sparkling gown, which she paired with a pink bejeweled joker from Bulgari’s collection, featured an attached hood. Zendaya arrived wearing a black custom Richard Quinn gown with off-the-shoulder sleeves. She styled her hair in a slicked-back bun and accessorised the look with a silver snake necklace from Bulgari. Meanwhile, Chopra Jonas opted for a pink cropped long-sleeve bodice and floor-length skirt, along with a matching pink necklace. This isn’t the first time fans have defended Anne Hathaway after she was accused of being “rude” on the red carpet. Earlier this month, a resurfaced interview showed the Ella Enchanted star declining a journalist’s inquiry about a conversation she had with Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. The interview, which took place at ELLE magazine’s Women in Hollywood event last October, came after Hathaway sat next to Wintour at the Michael Kors New York Fashion Week show. When asked whether she and Wintour had ever spoken about the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada – in which Meryl Streep plays Miranda Priestly, a character modelled after Wintour – Hathaway confirmed they had. However, when the reporter pushed for information about what the legendary Vogue editor has “shared”, Hathaway replied: “Why would I tell you?” before laughing loudly. The interviewer said: “Because I’m a fan and I need to know.” “No, but you weren’t there,” Hathaway said, shaking her head slightly. The interviewer said they “respected” Hathaway’s decision not to divulge her and Wintour’s interaction, and the actor thanked her. Read More Anne Hathaway defended after ‘rude’ red carpet interview goes viral Anne Hathaway isn’t a ‘mean girl’ for that red carpet interview – trust me, I know Fans condemn ‘scary’ photoshopped images showing Zendaya and Selena Gomez on Met Gala red carpet Schoolboy almost dies from swallowing magnets for TikTok challenge Woman shares honest review of New York City apartment TikTok mom slammed after making 5-year-old son run in 104 degree heat
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