Starting a new habit can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it’s a physical activity like running. You have the motivation, new shoes, and maybe even a running buddy. What else is there to prepare? Whether you’re jogging, running, or training for a marathon, our podiatrists at Kentucky/Indiana Foot and Ankle Specialists want you to know of common injuries to be aware of so that you can enjoy running for as long as possible.
Skin issues
Running can lead to skin issues like blisters, calluses, corns, and warts. Minimizing friction, keeping your feet clean, wearing moisture-wicking socks and properly-fitting shoes are key to preventing these common problems.
Heel pain
Your feet take a lot of pounding while running, which can lead to inflammation and injury to the thick fibrous tissue called the plantar fascia that supports the arch. Repeated stress can lead to plantar fasciitis, which requires rest, medication, orthotics or other therapies to alleviate heel pain.
Every time your foot pushes off the ground, it uses your achilles tendon. While it is the largest and strongest tendon in your body, the repeated motion of running can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Warming up your tissues with stretching before and after running can greatly decrease your risk of tendinitis.
Shin splints
Overexertion from running can cause shin splints, which are small tears in the tissues surrounding the shin bone. Stretching regularly, rest, icing, and medication are often treatments to ease pain.
Ankle sprains
While sprains can happen anywhere or even while walking, ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries that occur while running. Ligaments on the sides of the ankles are stretched, torn, or injured to cause swelling, pain, and bruising that can prevent you from putting weight on your foot. No matter how severe, it’s important to consult with a podiatrist on a treatment plan.
Running can be an extremely rewarding activity and offer many benefits to your physical and mental health. In order to continue with injuries, it’s important to stay on top of your foot health through regular stretching, gradual progression of workouts, and consulting with experienced foot doctors.
We can help!
At Kentucky/Indiana Foot and Ankle Specialists, our doctors offer a wide range of services, from preventative care including physical therapies and custom orthotics to complex surgeries to improve or correct foot function or help heal injuries. Find out where your foot health stands by scheduling an appointment with our board-certified podiatrists. Our advanced technologies used in diagnostics and treatments provide the highest-quality foot and ankle care for our patients. To schedule an appointment at any of our locations in Louisville, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, KY and New Albany, IN, call us at (502) 805-3338 or request one online here.