Marathon season is here, and whether you’re a seasoned runner or competing in your first race, it’s only right to spare a thought for your feet.
After all, they hit the ground up to 55,000 times during a 42 km marathon and no matter what trainers you’re wearing, all the pressure and pavement pounding could lead to pain, swelling and even uncomfortable foot lesions such as corns and calluses.
As many as 48% of people suffer from corns,[1] and about 1 in 10 people in the UK have warts or verrucas (warts found on the feet) at any one time.[2] These foot lesions are a problem affecting millions of people around the globe, and increased pressure on the feet can make them worse.
David Barton, podiatrist and one of the research scientists and founders behind ZeroSole – www.zero-sole.com – the first, ready-to-use foot care health innovation to ease pain caused by pressure on corns, calluses, verrucas and other foot lesions, explains: “A lot of stress is placed on feet when running long distances, such as a marathon and after, feet can feel swollen and sore. Toenails might be bruised and skin on your feet might have experienced a lot of rubbing.”
If your trainers are worn down, this rubbing could be even more severe as there is less padding in the shoe to protect your feet.
Speaking of the foot lesions that can burden runners’ feet, GP Dr Nisa Aslam and an advisor to ZeroSole – www.zero-sole.com says: “Corns and calluses are thickenings of the outer layer of the skin[3]. Calluses are common on the soles of the feet and also the hands – from weight lifting for example – and they come in various different sizes. Corns however, are typically smaller than calluses. They have a central point[4] and they’re usually found on bonier areas of the body, such as the feet and hands. rubbing is more likely here which can cause corns to develop in the first place.”
Dr Nisa Aslam warns: “Corns don’t often go away on their own, unless pressure is removed. So, if you have corns on your feet and you’re running consistently without relieving pressure, then your corns could get worse. Corns can also become infected leading to inflammation and more pain.[5]”
Another foot lesion which can make running uncomfortable is verrucas, caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).[6] “Verrucas look similar to corns except they typically have blood vessels in them which appear as very small black dots right in the centre of the verruca,” says David Barton.
“It’s wise to do what you can to get rid of verrucas as they can in fact be contagious.”
Concerned About Your Runners Feet?
ZeroSole, a world-first, fully customisable foot health innovation, could help to finally ease the pain endured by the millions of Brits suffering from corns, calluses and verrucas and also protect feet from developing these annoying lesions.
The world innovation to save Runners Feet
So why is ZeroSole Reliever such a saviour for hard working feet? David Barton explains: “It’s thanks to a patented, unique hexagon ‘cell’ technology found in ZeroSole. Removing these individual hexagon ‘cells’ creates a cavity at the point of the lesion, reducing the pressure placed on them. This pressure is typically on the plantar, the sole of the foot. ZeroSole Reliever helps lesions to heal, whilst also preventing new lesions from forming.” What’s more, ZeroSole is scientifically backed. “In-depth research[7] conducted on ZeroSole Reliever found that this innovative insole helps prevent calluses and corns from forming by effective pressure relief by up to 30%,” shares David Barton.
Plus, participants wearing ZeroSole with removed modular cells enjoyed a mean pressure reduction of 23% to 30% in the target zone than when they were wearing their normal shoes.
Dr Nisa Aslam adds: “Currently, podiatrists may provide specially made soft pads or insoles to take pressure off the painful area, but ZeroSole Reliever offers a new, fully customisable option for sufferers. ZeroSole also works with all conventional footwear, so all users can benefit.”
If you’re one of the 50,000 runners[8] preparing to take to the streets of London for this year’s April marathon, or perhaps you’re hitting the road for a race in another city or country, prioritising your foot health is key for a smoother, more comfortable run. ZeroSole helps to relieve pressure on foot lesions allowing current lesions to heal and preventing new ones from forming. Turn to scientifically-backed ZeroSole to ensure your feet are cared for this marathon season.
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