Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

Swimming and Foot Health: What Swimmers Need to Know

Swimming is one of the lowest-impact athletic activities — excellent for cardiovascular health, muscle conditioning, and joint protection. But the warm, wet, communal environment of swimming pools creates a perfect habitat for the fungi and viruses responsible for the most common infectious foot conditions. Swimmers who use public pools, locker rooms, and showers are at significantly elevated risk for athlete’s foot, plantar warts, and fungal toenail infections.

Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis) in Swimmers

Tinea pedis — fungal infection of the skin of the foot — is caused by dermatophyte fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. Pool decks, shower floors, and locker room tiles are hotspots for fungal contamination. Swimmers who walk barefoot in these areas deposit and pick up fungal organisms with every step.

Symptoms include itching, burning, scaling, cracking, and occasionally blistering skin between the toes, on the soles, or on the dorsum of the foot. The interdigital (between toes) form is most common; the “moccasin” type causes dry scaling across the entire sole.

Prevention: Always wear flip-flops or water shoes in communal pool areas, locker rooms, and showers. Dry feet thoroughly after swimming — especially between the toes. Change to clean, dry socks immediately after leaving the pool.

Treatment: Most cases respond to over-the-counter topical antifungals (clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine) applied for 2–4 weeks. Stubborn or widespread infections may require prescription topical or oral antifungals.

Plantar Warts in Swimmers

Plantar warts (verruca plantaris) are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) that enters through small cuts or abrasions on the plantar surface of the foot. Warm, wet pool environments facilitate virus transmission and skin maceration that creates micro-entry points for the virus. Plantar warts present as raised or flat skin lesions on the sole with small black dots (thrombosed capillaries) visible within the lesion; they are painful when squeezed from the sides rather than with direct pressure.

Treatment options include over-the-counter salicylic acid preparations, cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen freezing), prescription cantharadin application, immunotherapy, laser treatment, and surgical excision for resistant warts. Plantar warts in competitive swimmers should be covered with a waterproof dressing during practice to prevent viral shedding in the pool.

Fungal Toenail Infections in Swimmers

The same fungi that cause athlete’s foot can invade the toenails — particularly when athlete’s foot goes untreated. Repetitive nail trauma from pushing off pool walls and flip-flop wear that creates nail plate stress also predispose swimmers to onychomycosis. Yellow, thickened, crumbly toenails should be evaluated and treated to prevent spread to other nails and other swimmers.

Swim Fin Pressure Injuries

Competitive swimmers and divers who use fins during training can develop pressure blisters, subungual hematomas (blood under toenails), and toe deformity from ill-fitting fins. Fins should fit snugly at the heel and midfoot without excessive toe compression. Water shoes worn under open-heel fins protect the dorsum of the foot from abrasion.

Foot Cramps in Swimmers

Sudden, painful muscle cramps in the arch or calf during swimming are common and potentially dangerous. Dehydration and electrolyte depletion (despite being in water, swimmers lose fluid through sweat), cold water temperature, and fatigued foot and calf muscles all contribute. Adequate hydration, pre-swim and in-session electrolyte replacement, and stretching the plantar fascia and calves before entering the water reduce cramp frequency.

Care at Balance Foot & Ankle

Persistent athlete’s foot, plantar warts that don’t respond to OTC treatment, or toenail infections are best evaluated by a podiatrist for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule an appointment.

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Protect Your Feet While Swimming

Swimming is one of the best low-impact exercises for foot and ankle health, but pool decks and wet surfaces can lead to injuries, fungal infections, and plantar warts. If you develop any foot problems from swimming or water sports, our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle can help.

Learn About Our Sports Injury Treatment | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

1. Torg JS, et al. Swimming injuries and conditions. Sports Medicine. 2001;31(5):309-320.
2. Clement DB, Taunton JE. A guide to the prevention of running injuries. Canadian Family Physician. 1981;27:1867-1871.
3. Wainwright AM, Kelly AJ, Winson IG. Calcaneal spurs and plantar fasciitis. The Foot. 2005;5(3):123-126.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.