Warmer weather means many people are anxious to get off the treadmills and back outside for their running routine! For runners, feet and ankles are vulnerable to injuries that can hinder their running regimen. Here are some common injuries runners experience and how to treat them:
- HEEL PAIN – Plantar Fasciitis is one of the common causes of heel pain. It happens when there is inflammation of the ligament that holds up the arch. At the first sign of heel pain: 1. Do stretching exercises. 2. Wear sturdier shoes with arch supports. 3. Ice the foot 4. Take anti-inflammatory medications. If heel pain continues, visit your Podiatrist for further treatment.
- ACHILLES TENDON PAIN – Tendonitis can be caused by overuse or doing too much too soon. At the first sign of tendon pain: 1. Rest 2. Ice the foot 3. Do some stretching exercises 4. Take anti-inflammatory medications. If pain persists, its time to call your Podiatrist!
- BALL OF THE FOOT PAIN – Pain in this area of the foot is often a pinched nerve between the toes or inflammation of the joints where the toes meet the bones in your foot. It can cause pain, numbness, and burning in the area for runners. At the first sign of pain: 1. Wear sturdier shoes with arch supports. Shoes that are too flexible may be the cause! 2. Contact your Podiatrist — padding, orthotics or injections are often effective in relieving pain.
- STRESS FRACTURES/BROKEN BONES – Don’t believe the common myth, “It can’t be broken, I can walk on it!” Feet can have stress fractures and be slow to show symptoms, such as swelling and pain. If you think you might have a stress fracture, remember RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. If pain and swelling continue after three or four days of RICE, see your Podiatrist for further treatment.
If you have concerns about any of these running injuries or are experiencing any problems with your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Kylin Kovac for help getting you back on your feet and ready to run!
Content provided by foothealthfacts.org
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