Runner’s Remorse: Foot and Ankle Injuries From Going the Distance
Even the most dedicated runners will eventually face a problem that they can’t outpace: foot and ankle injuries. While the occasional twinge might be nothing critical, persistent pain can sideline you for an extended period of time, leading to chronic complications, loss of mobility, instability, and more.
My Chicago Foot Expert makes patient education a priority. With that principle to guide us, we’ve put together the following blog. Read on to explore some of the most common injuries sustained by distance runners, categorized from minor to severe, so you can identify and address them effectively.
The Blister Blues
- Few things are more irritating (literally) than a mid-run blister. Caused by friction between your skin and your shoes, blisters are usually treated with padding or blister bandages.
- Prevent them in the first place by wearing well-fitting, moisture-wicking socks and applying lubricant to high-friction areas.
Muscle Strains and Tendonitis
- Tendonitis, inflammation of the tendon, often presents as tightness, pain, and tenderness in the affected area. Like most overuse injuries, it arises from repetitive stress.
- Rest, icing (the RICE principle), and over-the-counter pain relievers help.
- Strengthening exercises and proper stretching can help prevent future occurrences.
Plantar Fasciitis Pains
- This stabbing pain on the bottom of your heel is your plantar fascia – a band of tissue that supports the arch – crying out in protest.
- Caused by repetitive stress, plantar fasciitis can significantly disrupt your training and hamper your performance.
- Custom orthotics, molded to your specific foot, can provide targeted support and pressure relief, promoting healing and preventing future flare-ups.
Stress Fractures
- Persistent pain that worsens with activity could indicate a stress fracture, a problem featuring tiny cracks in the bone.
- Treatment typically involves immobilization with a walking boot or cast, followed by physical therapy to regain strength.
- Early detection is crucial to prevent further damage and an extended recovery period.
There’s a reason so many athletes, from Olympians to weekend warriors, find the assistance of DPM invaluable. Keep pushing your limits, runners, but do it with a podiatrist’s help! You’ll move faster, heal better, and see better results overall.
Call the friendly staff at My Chicago Foot Expert (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.
