Running places significant stress on the feet, toes, and ankles, often leading to injuries, including plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, metatarsal stress fractures, and Morton’s neuroma. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. It causes heel pain, especially upon waking or after prolonged activity. Ankle sprains occur when ligaments are overstretched or torn due to twisting motions, which results in swelling, bruising, and instability. Metatarsal stress injuries, frequently caused by rapid increases in running intensity, involve inflammation or stress fractures of the bones that connect the ankle to the toes. This causes pain, swelling, or tenderness in the foot. Morton’s neuroma is caused by thickened tissue surrounding nerves, typically between the third and fourth toes. It results in a sensation similar to having a pebble in the shoe, accompanied by burning pain or numbness. If you are experiencing foot pain after running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Deborah Holte, DPM of Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Kirksville, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.