Working as a Podiatrist in the Sahara Desert !! Fixing Running Injuries

How Our Podiatry Clinic Helped Runners in the Marathon des Sables – Keeping Feet Healthy in the Sahara

The Marathon des Sables (MDS) is one of the most gruelling endurance events on the planet. Held annually in the blistering heat of the Sahara Desert, this 6-day ultramarathon challenges runners to navigate through punishing terrain, extreme temperatures, and sometimes, life-threatening conditions. For those lucky enough to participate, the Marathon des Sables is the ultimate test of stamina and determination – but it's also a test of foot health. That’s where podiatrists like us at South London Foot Clinic in Lewisham come in. You can see the start of the race above and the atmosphere amongst the 600 runners for this years race. This is the story about a podiatrist in the Sahara desert. Here is a link to the race itself CLICK HERE  to watch about the race. 

The MDS Race

Lucky enough to be part of the MDS medic team, as we were flown out to Marrakesh and picked up by bus for the drive across the Atlas mountain range and into the Sahara desert.

We were expecting extreme heat, but were at first met with overcast skies and evidence of heavy rainfall, and very windy. Sand was blown up and into the skies. 

Very unusual conditions according to the locals..

After reaching our end stop we walked for half an hour through sand dunes and heavy wind when we arrived at camp. White black and yellow tents showed up on the horizon. This was to be our home for the next week. 

Having found our tents we tried the local berber food and settled in for the night. 

We were up each morning at six o'clock preparing the clinic for the days race. The runners would come into the clinic throughout the day for foot and ankle and lower leg pain. But nothing a podiatrist couldn't handle...!!

There were four podiatrists on the team, two from the UK and two from France. It was great to be part of an international team and to feel like being part of Europe again!!

Why Podiatry Matters in the Marathon des Sables

What type of problems did we face as podiatrists?

Running through the Sahara, the foot and lower limb endures much more than the typical stresses of everyday running. The extreme heat, the sand, the rocky terrain, and the constant wear and tear can cause serious foot injuries. Without expert care and preventive measures, these issues can derail a runner's entire race. We saw Blisters, foot ulcers, tendonitis, stress fractures, and overuse injuries of the foot ankle, knees and hips are just some of the challenges faced by participants in Marathon Des Sable.

As and experienced podiatrist from South London Foot Clinic, our mission was simple: keep the runners on their feet. Whether they’re running in the heart of South London or crossing the desert sands, foot and ankle health is key to their success. We mostly managed to keep the runners on their feet!!

The Role of a Podiatrist in the Marathon des Sables

what we treated - Blister Prevention and Treatment: Blisters are the most common injury for runners, especially in a desert environment where moisture loss and friction are constant threats. At South London Foot Clinic, we advise runners on blister prevention strategies like taping techniques, moisture-wicking socks, and proper shoe fitting. For those already dealing with blisters, we provide expert treatment, ensuring that small injuries don't turn into race-ending problems.

Treating Foot Pain and Injuries on the Go: Marathon des Sables runners often suffer from foot pain and fatigue, including conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and stress fractures. With our experience in treating these injuries, we offered practical solutions for managing pain during the race. This included padding, taping and simple dressings.  

Post-Race Recovery: After completing such an extreme race, recovery is crucial. At South London Foot Clinic, we provide rehabilitation services that help athletes recover from foot injuries. We provided blister relief, wound care, foot and lower limb assessments and treatments to help our runners get back on their feet.

After the gruelling week of more than 12 hour shifts, we ended the week with a party!! What a fantastic experience we had had. Working within the medical team and helping so many runners. We had been working on the check points out in the field supporting the runners. So many of them showed their gratitude for helping them. That had made it all worth it!!

The race is an exercise in human endurance fortitude and strength. So much humanity comes to light during such a race. It is truly inspirational to be part of and I would recommend this experience to anyone whether as part of the medical team or a runner. 

Below are some of the services we offer to patients, whether a runner or not. 

How Our Lewisham Clinic Supports Runners

Whether you're running a marathon in the Sahara or tackling the streets of South London, foot care is essential. At South London Foot Clinic in Lewisham, we specialise in all aspects of foot and ankle care, from injury prevention and treatment to rehabilitation. Our team of podiatrists is highly trained to help runners of all levels achieve optimal foot, ankle and lower limb health.

We understand that the condition of your feet can make or break your race performance, and we use a combination of expert knowledge, the latest technology, and a tailored approach to care. Our podiatry clinic in Lewisham offers:

• Comprehensive foot assessments
• Custom orthotics and insoles
• Blister prevention and treatment
• Foot injury treatment and rehabilitation
• Sports-specific advice and injury prevention for runners

Whether you’re an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, our podiatrists are here to ensure you stay on your feet, injury-free, and ready for your next race.

Why Choose Our Podiatry Clinic in Lewisham?

As a trusted podiatry clinic in South London, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality care to all our patients. Our experienced podiatrists have worked with athletes of all levels and helped them achieve their goals – whether that’s running a marathon in the desert or simply walking without pain.

Our team understands the unique demands of distance running and sports in general, and we’re here to offer personalized solutions for each individual. From diagnosing complex foot issues to providing preventative care, we are dedicated to keeping you active and healthy.

Book an Appointment at South London Foot Clinic Today

If you're preparing for an endurance event like the Marathon des Sables or dealing with foot pain from everyday activities, don’t wait until it’s too late. At South London Foot Clinic in Lewisham, we offer expert care and advice to keep your feet in top condition. Whether you're dealing with a recurring foot injury or just want to ensure you're taking the best care of your feet, our team is here to help.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healthier, pain-free feet!

Click on button below to book an appointment !! We look forward to seeing you!!