Breeders' Cup Feet

2 days ago

2 min read

A Game Plan for Two Long Days at the Keeneland Racetrack

The Breeders' Cup is back at Keeneland this Halloweekend, Friday October 30th and Saturday October 31st. If you've got a ticket, you already know the drill. Paddock, rail, betting line, paddock again. For some race-goers this could easily equate to more steps in one day than they typically get all week. That's great for your step count, but it's not always great for your feet.

Every year after a big Keeneland weekend, we see the same three things come through our office door; heel pain that wasn't there the day before the race, blisters every where, and swollen ankles that are hardly recognizable from rolling them while walking on the lawn.

Here's how to skip all three.

Pick the shoe for the ground, not the outfit.

A lot of the walking surfaces at Keeneland are grass, gravel and uneven walkways. Stilettos sink into the ground. Thin-soled loafers give you zero arch support where you can feel every pebble. Instead, opt for a block heel, a wedge sandal, or a dress shoe with a little cushion that will hold up much better.

Pack a backup pair. Seriously.

A foldable flat in your bag is the best $20 you'll spend all weekend. Swap the shoes before your feet start yelling at you, not after.

Prep the hot spots.

If a new shoe rubs the back of your heel or your pinky toe, put moleskin or a blister bandage on it before you leave the house. It's also not a bad idea to practice wearing your shoes in the house ahead of time.

Watch the step down.

Grass hides divots. Sidewalks have cracks. These are hidden dangers lurking around the racetrack. If you've ever sprained an ankle before, you're more likely to do it again, so take your time and watch your step.

Monday Morning Check.

Stabbing pain in your heel with the first steps out of bed is a characteristic sign of plantar fasciitis. Applying ice and a little stretching is a good place to start for symptom relief. If the pain isn't improving after a few days, or you can't put weight on your ankle, come see us.

We don't just treat the problem area.

We look at how you stand, how you walk, and examine the structure of your foot. With our in-house x-ray and ultrasounds, we get the full picture of your condition. With these we are able to identify what's going, and get you on the road to recovery, all in the same visit.

Enjoy the races. Bring the flats. And if your feet lose the bet, we're right off Old Rosebud Road in the Hamburg area.

Call 859-264-1141, text 859-217-4534, or book online at lexingtonkypodiatry.com

Are you going to Keenland?