Running Foot Injuries
As an avid runner, you’re well aware of the joy and challenges that come with this exhilarating activity. However, if you’ve been experiencing discomfort in your feet, you should contact us; since you may have runner’s foot. At Cherrywood Foot Care, we’re here to provide insights into this condition and offer guidance as your reliable doctor for running foot injuries.
UNDERSTANDING RUNNING FOOT INJURIES
Runner’s foot, commonly known as plantar fasciitis, is a prevalent condition among athletes and runners. It occurs when the plantar fascia, the ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress. This inflammation can lead to pain, discomfort, and limitations in your running routine.
RECOGNIZING THE SYMPTOMS
- Heel Pain: One of the primary indicators of runner’s foot is sharp pain in the heel or the bottom of the foot. This pain is often most pronounced in the morning or after periods of rest.
- Stiffness: You might experience stiffness and a sensation of tightness in the bottom of your foot, especially during your first steps after waking up.
- Discomfort While Running: If you feel a stabbing or throbbing pain in your foot while running, it could be a sign of runner’s foot. The pain can be particularly intense during your workout and might subside temporarily after you stop.
- Tenderness: The affected area may feel tender to the touch. Pressing on the bottom of your foot near the heel might cause discomfort.
WHEN TO SEEK A DOCTOR
If you suspect you have runner’s foot, it’s essential to consult a qualified doctor at Cherrywood Foot Care. Early diagnosis of running foot injuries can help prevent the condition from worsening and help you resume your running routine comfortably. Your foot doctor will conduct a thorough examination, possibly including imaging tests, to confirm the diagnosis.
PERSONALIZED TREATMENT OPTIONS
Your foot doctor will design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle. Some common options include:
- Rest and Ice: Giving your foot adequate rest and applying ice can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretching of the plantar fascia and calf muscles typically improves flexibility and ease tension.
- Orthotic Inserts: Custom orthotic inserts can provide support and cushioning, reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
- Physical Therapy: Engaging in targeted exercises with a physical therapist can promote healing and prevent recurrence.
Don’t let running foot injuries hold you back. If you’re experiencing symptoms, reach out to Cherrywood Foot Care for expert evaluation and personalized treatment. Regain the joy of running with a healthy and pain-free stride.
It may seem like running foot injuries are rare, but they can easily happen if you don’t take the right precautions. Making small, positive changes can enhance running performance and lower the risk of injury. Follow these tips to stay healthy and safe while going on a run.
STRETCHING
Stretching before and after a run is essential. Not only does it avoid injury, but it also improves flexibility and strength. Each stretch should be held for approximately 30 seconds or more depending on the person. This is something that should not be rushed and could take up to 10 minutes when done properly.
STRENGTH TRAINING
Strength training not only improves body strength, but it also avoids injury and fatigue. Weight lifting, yoga, and incline walking/running are all methods of strength training. The most important muscle to train for running are the hips. Once the hips are strengthened, it will give more support to the ankles and knees. Strength training also improves balance which improves running performance overall.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
A common reason for running foot injuries is when a person pushes themselves too far. If your body is not comfortable, stop doing what you’re doing and take a break. Stretch, sit, or drink water until you feel better and then continue the activity. Pushing yourself past your limits will not enhance performance and will only make you feel sick or injured.
WEAR THE CORRECT TYPE OF SHOES
Feet can easily get sore or injured from walking in the wrong shoes, so imagine how bad it can be from running in them. Athletic sneakers are not all made the same. They vary on body type, training type and where you run. Talking to a podiatrist can help determine what kind of sneaker is best for your running style. Also, wearing old, worn-out shoes can put your feet at risk for injury. Its best to replace your shoes every 300 to 500 miles; this depends on height, weight, and foot shape.
HYDRATION AND DIET
Drinking water should be done before, during, and after running. Hydrating at least two hours prior will help avoid dehydration. Eating the right diet is essential too. This prevents fatigue and muscle cramps.
GETTING EVALUATED BY AN EXPERT
At Cherrywood Foot Care, we have podiatrists that can analyze your running habits while providing personalized guidance. Developing a smooth and efficient running form will enhance perform, avoid injury and prevent running foot injuries
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If you are a runner, call us today to see how we can help you!
Running foot injuries are unfortunately commonly seen among runners because they put a lot of stress on their feet when running. Even though running is good for your health, the foot problems that can result are not. At Cherrywood Foot Care, we can assess, diagnose, and treat the foot problems you encounter from running. We are the best podiatrists because we help our patients get relief.
COMMON FOOT PROBLEMS
Foot pain can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Some of the running foot injuries that can result from running include the following:
- Plantar fasciitis- The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that connects the bottom of the heel to the ball of the foot. When it is overused and stressed, stabbing heel pain can result, called plantar fasciitis.
- Tendinitis- Tendinitis occurs when the tendons of the feet are irritated after running too much.
- Over-pronation- When the foot is excessively rotated inward as it hits the ground when running, it is called over-pronation. It strains the foot’s tissues and results in foot pain.
- Toe pain- Toe pain can result when the toes slam against the front of the shoe each time the foot hits the ground. This can be a result of shoes that are too tight.
- Blisters- Painful blisters can occur due to friction between your skin and shoes. Blisters most often arise from ill-fitted shoes.
HOW TO PREVENT RUNNING FOOT INJURIES
Follow specific steps before and during a run to prevent foot problems from occurring or worsening. Some tips our teams suggests include:
- Stretching to warm up before running.
- Start slow, and build speed over time.
- Keep your feet free of moisture.
- Wear well-fitted shoes.
- Stop running if foot pain starts.
- Run on flexible grounds, like dirt.
- Take walking breaks to give your feet a rest.
CONTACT CHERRYWOOD FOOT CARE
If you have experienced running foot injuries from running, consider seeking treatment. Our team at Cherrywood Foot Care is well-prepared to alleviate your pain and get you running again. Contact us today for an appointment to address your runner’s foot.
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 running foot injury and are in need of a podiatrist, 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 podiatrists are 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:
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 will assess your running foot injuries and develop a treatment plan that is right for you!