Is Running Bad For Your Feet?

We probably get asked, “Is running bad for your feet” a lot here at Cherrywood Foot Care.The answer to that question is no, running isn’t bad for your feet. Running is great for your overall health. It can strengthen your body, improve your mood, boost cognitive functioning, and even prolong your life. If you have experienced a running injury and are in need of a podiatrist in Massapequa, we can help. 

What you need to consider is the way you run. If you run with incorrect form, it can severely strain your joints, especially the feet. If left ignored, it can result in some serious injuries. 

If injuries do happen, our podiatrist in Massapequa is here to help! If you have been experiencing pain or recently sustained an injury due to running, contact us today to schedule your appointment! 

How You Strike The Ground 

As mentioned before, running isn’t bad for you. It’s about how you run is what you need to consider. 

There are different ways your feet strike the ground and for many years experts have debated about what is the correct type of foot strike. And the answer to that question is tricky. 

The three different ways your feet strike the ground are with your heel, midfoot, and forefoot. There is no right way of how the foot should land on the ground because each person is different. Other factors that you also need to consider are the conditions you are running in, the shoes you are wearing, and your body type. 

To see how this works out, most see the heel-to-tee method as the most detrimental, while the forefront allows the Achilles tendon to absorb some of the shocks, therefore evenly distributing the impact. 

It doesn’t mean that you have bad form if you run with the heel method. What we do suggest is that by wearing the right shoes with proper cushion, you can reduce your chances of injury. 

So How Should I Run? 

Again, the answer isn’t concrete. What we do suggest is that you practice better running form by finding one that is most comfortable for you.

We can also suggest that by mixing up your foot landings, you can reduce the stress on the joints and reduce injury. 

Most importantly, wear proper shoes for running. Don’t be afraid to try out different foot landings to see what works best for you. In the end, you should base it on how your body feels after the impact.

Contact Our Podiatrist in Massapequa Today

No, running isn’t bad for your feet. But if you begin to experience pain, we suggest that you stop running, allow your feet to rest until the pain subsides, apply ice packs if swelling occurs, and take pain medication. If those do not work and pain becomes unbearable, then contact us immediately at Cherrywood Foot Care. Our podiatrist in Massapequa will assess the issue and develop a treatment plan that is right for you!