Dr. Brandon Macy
Podiatrist - Clark, NJ
1114 Raritan Road
Clark, NJ 07066
Rock climbing is a whole body exercise. While a lot of the strength must come from the upper body, your feet actively participate. They can be the determining factor of whether or not you can endure a long, difficult climb, since they enable you to reach farther distances and give your arms and shoulders some rest from carrying your body weight.
In order to support your climbing, your feet have to conform to the shape of the climbing shoes. Most are designed so that your toes come together to a pointed tip at the top of the shoe. The point gives you the ability to step on the smallest rocks or holds. The feet have to cramp into this “V” shape, which puts pressure on the toes. When the pointed tip is used as a step, much pressure goes to the big toe joint, as it would for ballet dancers when they go “on point”.
While some climbers do not encounter many foot issues, others are very familiar with the problems that can come about. With repeated activity and inadequate breaks in between, this strain on the joints and toes can cause issues for climbers. Some common issues that arise for consistent climbers include:
Additionally, foot hygiene, including bacterial, fungal, and viral infection, as well as foot odor can cause problems for your feet. Busy climbing gyms and communal shower spaces make for a facility with lots of germs being shared among climbers. The following are some tips for maintaining foot health while climbing.
If you have foot or ankle issues from rock climbing, make an appointment today at Clark Podiatry Center. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy will assess your feet and ankles to keep you walking. We are located in Clark, NJ and serve patients in all the surrounding Union County towns!
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1114 Raritan Road
Clark, NJ 07066