How to Mend Common Climbing Injuries
The products the pros use to keep their hands and feet happy and healthy
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We spoke to a couple professional climbers about how they treat their various rock-related ailments. Take heed from these self care experts.
Problem: Sore forearms and calves
Solution: Tennessee bouldering legend Jimmy Webb uses a foam roller, like Trigger Point’s Grid ($40), to warm up his muscles before and prevent tendonitis after.
Problem: Chewed-up hands
Solution: At the end of a hard day, three-time U.S. sport-climbing champ Sasha DiGiulian sands down the calluses on her palms and moisturizes with Joshua Tree Skin Care Climbing Salve ($18). In the event of a flapper—a dangling dermal patch caused by a fall from a rough hold—snip the skin, moisturize the spot, cover it with a Band-Aid, and then wrap the whole thing in athletic tape.
Problem: Cracked feet
Solution: Alex Honnold showers sporadically, so his skin stays dry and tough for free soloing. But that can lead to split soles. If you mainly climb indoors, apply ProFoot’s Heel Rescue ($6) daily.
Problem: Ripe-smelling shoes
Solution: Pro climber and BASE jumper Steph Davis uses Dry Pointe inserts ($12.50 for two) to suck moisture out of her shoes and fight off bacteria.