Common Foot Injuries for Running Athletes

Running keeps you fit, makes your legs stronger and helps you build your endurance. But believe it or not, it is not all glory and benefits. Running can also result in foot and ankle injuries.

There are a lot of foot injuries that are being experienced by runners due to their continued practice and over-tired muscles. A foot injury is a serious concern for any athlete. Injuries can drastically affect their performance. and can become chronic over time.

In this article, we will be discussing three of the most common injuries that runners experience in their lifetime.

1.     Plantar fasciitis – your plantar fascia is the ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes and once this is inflamed, you will experience a sharp and stabbing pain at the bottom of your foot.

Signs and Symptoms:

·       Heel pain after long periods of rest

·       Pain that worsens when you stand on your toes or climb the stairs

·       Pain felt before the start of the exercise and after the exercise is completed. Take note that the pain leaves in the middle of the exercise.

Treatment:

·       Rest your feet.

·       Apply ice on your heel.

·       Exercise by stretching your foot.

·       Use supportive footwear or shoe inserts.

·       If pain can’t be relieved with rest or ice, take NSAIDs such as Advil or Tylenol.

2.     Achilles tendinitis – your Achilles tendon attaches the calf to the back of your heel and once this is inflamed, Achilles tendinitis occurs.

Signs and symptoms:

·       Tenderness or stiffness in the morning which improves during mild activity

·       Mild pain beginning in the back of the leg or above the heel after running

·       Severe pain after sprinting or prolonged running

Treatment:

·       Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

·       Ice application for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day.

·       Stretch and exercise the calf muscles.

·       Use of orthotic devices such as a shoe inserts.

3.     Ankle sprain – this usually happens when you accidentally twist your foot inward which cause the tearing of ligaments surrounding your ankle.

Signs and symptoms:

·       Immediate pain after the incident occurs

·       Swelling and sometimes bruising of the affected area

·       Inability to walk in severe cases

Treatment:

·       Rest

·       Ice application

·       Compression

·       Elevate the injured foot

Here at The Texas Foot Specialists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum provide expert and specialized care to address all of your foot and ankle needs. From conservative to advanced surgical treatments, you can always count on us for quality and compassionate care. Contact us online to make an appointment at one of our conveniently located offices in Sugar Land, Pasadena or Houston.