3 Common Sources Of Foot Pain For Runners

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Is running your preferred form of exercise? Running can be one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to stay in shape. If you're like most runners, your daily jog is an important part of your day. Unfortunately, running can also take a toll on your feet. Most runners deal with foot pain at some point. Often the pain can be reduced with some rest and icing, and perhaps a change in shoes or running form. However, sometimes the pain is so severe that you need further treatment. Below are a few common types of foot pain and steps you can take to protect yourself:

Plantar fasciitis. This common source of pain occurs in the plantar fascia tendon that runs along the bottom of the foot. It feels like sharp, pulsating pain along the tendon, and it can often appear out of nowhere. It can also last for a long period of time. Plantar fasciitis is often caused by poor mechanics, shoes that lack support, or overuse. 

Perhaps the most effective step in relieving this pain is to switch to shoes that offer more support to the bottom of the foot. You may even want to try inserts. Other treatment methods include rest and icing. A podiatrist may be able to suggest inserts or shoes that will provide the highest level of support.

Stress fractures. These irritating pains can occur in almost any bone in your foot. They're often caused by an increase in mileage or intensity, but can also be caused by an awkward step on a rock or crack. At first, a stress fracture may feel like normal pain or even tendinitis. However, as the fracture increases in severity, it will become more painful. It's usually confirmed with an x-ray or an MRI in some cases.

If you have a stress fracture, you'll likely need to see a doctor for a fitted brace and you'll need to take a break from running for a few weeks. Once it's healed, you should ease back into your routine. The best way to avoid a stress fracture is to avoid rapid buildups in training distance or volume. Instead, increase your runs gradually.

Tendonitis. This may be the most common foot pain among runners. It often appears in the top of the foot in the tendon that runs from your ankle down to your digits. However, it can also appear in your Achilles and other tendons. Tendonitis is caused by tightness and overuse. The best way to avoid it is to stretch thoroughly before and after each run. If you develop tendonitis, though, you may want to take a few days off to rest and ice the tendons. Also, your doctor may prescribe some pain medication or anti-inflammatories if the pain is severe.

Suffering from foot pain from your running? Consult with your local podiatrist. They can help you treat the current condition and prevent further pain in the future.

Contact a business like Bazzi Podiatry to learn more.

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25 July 2018

Working With A Podiatrist To Solve My Foot Problems

When I started working out every day, I encountered a strange problem. My feet always seemed to hurt, and I didn't know what to do. If it wasn't an ingrown toenail, it was a sore arch or a throbbing heel. Instead of writing off the problem as a simple inconvenience, I decided to meet with a podiatrist who could diagnose the issues. As I talked with the professional, I learned that my foot problems probably stemmed from different issues, and he targeted each one with a different treatment. After a few weeks, my feet felt a lot better. This blog is all about how a podiatrist can help you to solve your foot problems.