In 2015, 509,000 runners completed a marathon race in the United States. Of these, 49,365, completed the TCS New York City Marathon. As marathon running becomes an increasingly popular hobby, I have been seeing more patients in my office with running-related problems.
Some of the more common foot problems in runners are….
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shin splint
- Tendinitis
- Blisters
Plantar Fasciitis
Many runners experience heel pain, or plantar fasciitis. This is inflammation of the ligament on the bottom of your foot. In runners, it is caused by overuse. In order to prevent such an injury, it is important to stretch before and after workouts. Freezing a water bottle and rolling it over the bottom of your foot will also help decrease inflammation. The condition can also be caused by worn out shoes, and in many cases you may also need an arch support, or an orthotic. For orthotic evaluation, you should make an appointment with a podiatrist today!
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures can be caused from overuse. They can also be caused by increasing the length and intensity of your workouts too quickly. They are frequently accompanied by a sharp and sudden pain in the bone of your foot and can be difficult to differentiate from tendinitis. In cases where diagnosis with x-ray is inconclusive, an MRI may be ordered. Unfortunately, bone takes 6-8 weeks to heal and taking time off from running will be a necessity.
Shin Splints
Shin splints are pain along the front of your shin bone. This occurs because of inflammation of the tendons and muscles along your shin. Shin splints can also be caused by overuse or even flat feet. The first line of therapy is icing, stretching, and anti-inflammatories. If you have shin splints, you should be evaluated by a podiatrist today to see if you are a candidate for orthotics. This will help to better align your feet and prevent the tendons and muscles in this area from working too hard.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendons in your feet. One commonly affected tendon is your Achilles tendon. This is the large tendon that runs down the back of your leg and inserts into your heel bone. If this tendon is not properly stretched, it can easily become inflamed and injured. The tendons in the front of your leg and foot are responsible for slowing you down. They are activated when running downhill, pain at this time or after a hill workout might be tendinitis. It is treated with ice, compression, and anti-inflammatories.
Blisters
Blisters are a result of the friction between your foot and sock, or foot and shoe. They can be filled with either blood or clear fluid. If you have a blister, do not attempt to drain it on your own, because this can cause an infection. Seek medical attention to have it treated under sterile conditions and to decrease the risk of infection. It is also important to wear shoes that fit well with moisture-wicking socks.
If you are a runner and are having any of the above problems, or any additional problems, call Hollowbrook Foot Specialists today at (845) 298-9704, for an appointment. We are serving the Hudson Valley from Wappingers Falls.
