The Most Common Foot Injuries for Runners

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You come home from your daily run feeling great. You’re filled with energy and adrenaline but notice as your body settles itself that your foot doesn’t feel quite right. If you run regularly, it is possible that you will have this experience at least once in your life. Foot injuries are common in runners and can force runners off the road for weeks or months. Here is what you could experience:

1. Plantar Fasciitis

When you run, your feet repeatedly strike the pavement. Even with the best running form, you simply can’t avoid these frequent hits to your feet. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the ligaments along the bottom of your foot are irritated. It is recognized by heel pain, especially when walking or standing.

2. Ankle Sprain

Unlike plantar fasciitis which tends to happen over time, an ankle sprain is an acute injury. You may know the exact point in time that you sprained your ankle – while stretching you feel a pull or while running, your ankle rolls to the side. An ankle sprain can cause pain in the ankle, along the top of the foot and even slightly up the leg.

3. Stress Fracture

Stress fractures occur in runners that exercise excessively without proper conditioning. They can also happen when there is a biomechanical problem with the foot. Metatarsal stress fractures are the most common and can be painful. They can also sideline your running program until they are healed.

4. Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon runs up the back of the ankle. A pull can hurt, but a tear can be incredibly painful. If you notice that you have pain along the back of your lower leg when you run, you may have tendonitis.

5. Sesamoiditis

When you flex your big toe toward the sky, you will find the two small bones that are located beneath your metatarsal joint. Runners may fracture or irritate this area, causing foot pain.

If you run, it is possible to injure yourself – it really is that simple. Wearing the right shoes, conditioning yourself properly and running with proper form will all help reduce your chance of injury or the severity of your injuries. If you feel any pain in your foot, it’s important that you stop running until you can see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis. Continuing to run on injured feet can cause worsening damage and delay your recovery.

If you are looking for an experienced podiatrist in Salt Lake City, reach out to Dr. Elizabeth Auger. Dr. Auger will talk to you about your medical history, your current exercise habits and the discomfort you are feeling. You will receive a comprehensive exam and be provided with your treatment options. You rely on your feet everyday and not being able to use them comfortably can negatively effect your enjoyment of life. Reach out to our office today to schedule your first appointment.

 

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