Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise you can do. Regular time in the pool supports cardiovascular fitness, circulation and healthy weight management.
Because water supports much of your body weight, swimming is also gentle on your joints while still providing a full-body workout. This makes it a particularly good option for people with joint pain, arthritis or anyone looking for a lower-impact way to stay active.
However, while swimming can be great for overall wellbeing – with indirect benefits for foot health, too – it’s still important to take care around the pool. Damp changing-room floors, bare feet and wet footwear can all increase the likelihood of common problems such as athlete’s foot, verrucae, and dry or cracked skin.
In this post, we look at the foot problems swimmers may encounter and the simple habits that can help keep your feet healthy at the pool.
Common Foot Problems for Swimmers
The warm, humid environment around a swimming pool provides ideal conditions for fungi and viruses, particularly in shared areas such as changing rooms and showers.
Here are some of the common foot problems swimmers may experience.
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that may cause itching, peeling, scaling or cracking skin, often between the toes. It can spread in communal areas such as poolside walkways, showers and changing rooms, particularly when walking barefoot.
Fungal nail infections are caused by the same group of fungi – dermatophytes – as athlete’s foot. They cause nails to become thickened, discoloured, crumbly or brittle. Treating athlete’s foot promptly can help prevent the infection from spreading to the nails.
Verrucae are small warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear as rough patches of skin on the soles of your feet with tiny black dots in the centre and can be uncomfortable when walking. They can spread via contaminated surfaces, particularly if you have tiny cuts or abrasions on your feet.
Dry or cracked heels can also affect frequent swimmers. Repeated exposure to water can strip away some of the skin’s natural moisture and oils, leaving heels dry, rough or tight. If cracks become deep, they can be painful and may need professional attention.
Foot Hygiene for Swimmers
Fortunately, many foot problems associated with swimming are preventable with a little poolside hygiene.
- Wear flips-flops or pool shoes in the changing rooms, communal showers and around the pool. This reduces direct contact between bare feet and wet, shared surfaces, while also helping to reduce the risk of slipping.
- Dry feet thoroughly after swimming, particularly between your toes. Moisture trapped between toes can soften the skin and creates conditions in which fungal infections are more likely to develop.
- Moisturise feet regularly, especially the heels. Applying cream after swimming can help keep dry skin supple and reduce the likelihood of cracked heels. Avoid applying moisturiser between the toes, where it can trap moisture.
- Check feet regularly for itchy, peeling skin, verrucae, nail changes, cuts or cracks. This is particularly important if you have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling in your feet.
- Keep toenails neatly trimmed. Cut nails straight across and avoid cutting them short or down the side. This helps prevent sharp edges and ingrown toenails, which can damage softened skin and provide an entry point for germs in communal pool areas.
- Keep personal items to yourself. Do not share towels, socks, shoes, flip-flops, nail clippers or pumice stones, as fungi and viruses can be transferred between people.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
Many minor foot problems can improve with good hygiene and appropriate over-the-counter treatment. However, it’s a good idea to seek advice if you have:
- Itchy, peeling or cracked skin that doesn’t improve or keeps returning
- A painful, persistent or spreading verruca
- Thickened, discoloured, crumbly or brittle toenails
- Deep, painful or bleeding cracks in the heels
If you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced feeling in your feet or a weakened immune system, seek advice promptly about any new foot problem.
Seek prompt medical advice if you notice increasing redness, heat, swelling, discharge, a new wound or worsening pain, as there may be signs of infection.
How Feet By Pody Can Help
If you’re unsure what’s causing your foot discomfort after swimming, Feet By Pody is here to help. Book an appointment at one of our London foot clinics for professional advice and treatment tailored to your needs, so you can get back to swimming in comfort.
Clinically reviewed by Nicolas Ivanoff, Podiatrist & Clinical Director
Nicolas qualified in podiatry in 2005 and has worked in private practice ever since. He founded Feet By Pody in 2006 and has particular clinical interests in nail surgery, verrucae needling, shockwave therapy and biomechanics.