Sore foot from fin?

[Bibendum]

Hi All -

Did my first dives post certification this past weekend (Sat. and Sun.), all went well and we had 4 great dives, all averaging around 45 minutes each. There was a bit of a current on the two dives on Sunday.

One small problem surfaced yesterday though, the second toe on my left foot is very sore to the touch, a little red on the bottom and swollen to the point that it hurts to bend it. I also have a sore red spot on the little toe on my left foot as well.

I looked through the DAN website, and there was information on this type of problem, which they referred to as "Fin Foot," and it was chalked up to inexperienced divers finning incorrectly or having improper fitting fins or boots. The only discomfort I felt all weekend was on the top of my left foot, but after adjusting my fin it went away after a bit. I haven't had pain or trouble with my fins or boots prior to this (which was during my OW class and check out dives).

Any advice or thoughts on what to be alert for on my next dive to try and prevent this or pinpoint the problem so I can correct it. I'd hate to have to go through this after every dive, as it has been rather uncomfortable to walk yesterday and today.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ber Rabbit]

Were you bending your toes under (think trying to pick up a pencil) while trying to kick against the current? I know I tend to do that subconsciously when finning into a current. I'm guessing you didn't have to deal with a current during your check-out dives. That gripping position can put your toes in an odd enough position to make your previously comfortable boots rub sores on them.
Ber :lilbunny:

 

[H2Andy]

oooh... it's the wascally wabbit!


(sorry, highjack over)


I've been in your garden LOL!

 

[Ishie]

Dunno. On my first dive trip, I got that on the tip of every toe, AND had redness and swelling on the ball of my foot. Couldn't walk for a week.

Changed my boots, and haven't had a single sore spot since?

 

[MrConclusion]

I believe that the rubbery texture of fins and boots can grip & slide strangely on the foot, often rubbing them raw. I have seen several of my diving friends end up with blistered toes. Now, I carry a couple pairs of black nylon socks to give out to the sufferers. The nylon socks make imperfectly-fitting full foot fins (or dive boots) slide easier without chafing the skin. Imagine how raw your foot would be if you went dancing in new patent leather shoes without wearing socks - then figure that rubber is even "grippier" than leather.

I have a pair of lycra-based tube socks purchased from a dive shop. I use these with my full-foot fins when freediving. They feel just like the coating of a wetsuit, but have no neoprene layer.

Just stay away from cotton or wool socks - any old pair of nylon socks (black dress socks) work really well and you probably already own some of them.

 

[jiveturkey]

I usually use openheeled fins and the few times I've used full foot ones, I've gotten blisters. They should go away as you develop calluses. I even get them from my sandals at the beginning of every summer. You'll have to put some bandaids on there and suck it up for a while.

 

[Bibendum]

I usually use openheeled fins and the few times I've used full foot ones, I've gotten blisters. They should go away as you develop calluses. I even get them from my sandals at the beginning of every summer. You'll have to put some bandaids on there and suck it up for a while.

I am using openheeled fins with 6mm boots. I don't have any blisters, just a swollen sore toe and a sore red spot on another toe. I think I may have been inadvertently curling my toes when finning against the current. We'll see what happens the next time I dive. Thanks!

 

[Bibendum]

I am using openheeled fins with 6mm boots. I don't have any blisters, just a swollen sore toe and a sore red spot on another toe. I think I may have been inadvertently curling my toes when finning against the current. We'll see what happens the next time I dive. Thanks!

OK, went diving again this past Saturday (got three dives in, averaging 35 minutes per dive at 35 - 40 feet). Based on previous suggestions in this post, I made sure I wasn't curling my toes when finning, was trying not to go too fast, I felt no rubbing from my boots, fit felt fine and all that.

By Sunday evening, a very sore and raised red spot started showing up again, only this time on my left heel. It even hurts to put weight on my foot this time. I had to spend most of my day yesterday walking around my office with no shoes on and today I am having to wear shoes with no back.

I stopped by my LDS last night to talk to my instructor, and he though maybe, just maybe, this could be caused by bacteria trapped in the boot (only he thought it odd that it went away last time with no meds to kill a possible infection).

Owner of the store was there as well, and he gave me (as in free....I love my LDS) a pair of split fins to try to see if perhaps my fins are the problem. He then suggested trying a different pair of boots. If all else fails, he suggested going to see the doctor.

I really don't want to have to deal with this after every dive. The last time this happened it took two weeks to go away. Does anyone have any other advice on this?

Thanks!

 

[simbrooks]

Was the pain in your heel around the places where the fin strap hits it, right in the Achilles? I have had similar issues before, i jammed my foot too far into the fin and yet another time i relied on the strap to hold the fin on a bit too much too by not putting my foot in enough, first caused my toes to hurt, second my heel. I didnt feel anything until after the dives on the drive home and part of it was due to me keeping my fins on for quite a while doing various things on those dives without bothering to get out of the water. The fin should sit on your foot without the strap being tight, but also not jamming your foot in there, snug like a shoe. Can you move your foot around inside the foot pocket of the fin? Try it with someone stepping on the fin blade and see how much your foot moves around in the pocket, that might be the cause of the foot issues. If you are wearing full foot fins that might be the heel issue, if you are using open heeled check your strap tightness - too tight will cause trouble, but if your fins dont fit your foot you might also be tightening up the strap too much to overcompensate as well.

 

[Bibendum]

Was the pain in your heel around the places where the fin strap hits it, right in the Achilles?

It's further down, about an inch below where the achilles tendon attaches to the heel, and off to the right side. Seems to far down to be the heal strap, but you never know, so I will investigate this possibility. Thanks.