Don’t Let Foot Pain Keep You Out Of The Race

If you're a runner, you know how important your feet are. You also know how easily foot injuries and pain can keep you out of the competition. Watch for signs of the follow common foot issues and see your doctor before they get worse.

Inflamed Achilles Tendon

Your Achilles tendon is responsible for keeping your foot and ankle stable as you move it up and down. An injury or overuse of this tendon causes inflammation and severe pain. Achilles tendonitis can keep you off of your feet for days as the tendon heals.

Some of the symptoms you'll experience include:

  • inflammation and redness over the tendon
  • severe pain when you move your foot
  • sharp pain when you press on the end of the tendon attached to your heel

Common causes of this tendonitis include:

  • irritation of the tendon by overuse
  • poor warm-up habits
  • poor fitting running shoes

Treatment of Achilles Tendonitis

As soon as this injury occurs, place ice packs on the tendon to reduce the swelling and call your doctor. Some of the treatments they will recommend include:

  • physical therapy to reduce the inflammation and increase circulation to the tendon
  • exercises to slowly stretch out your tendon so it doesn't contract due to the swelling
  • anti-inflammatory medication for the pain and swelling

Plantar Fasciitis

A small band of tissue runs along the bottom of your foot to help maintain the arch. When this tissue is injured and becomes inflamed, your foot may be too painful to step on.

Some of the symptoms you'll experience include:

  • burning feeling on the bottom of your foot when at rest
  • sharp pain on the bottom of your foot when you put pressure on it

Common causes of this painful condition include:

  • poor warm-up technique
  • overworked foot muscles
  • socks or running shoes that fit poorly

Some people can experience plantar fasciitis when they first get out of bed in the morning and place a foot on the floor.

Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

As with other tendonitis, use ice on the bottom of your foot to reduce swelling. A professional doctor, like those at Family Foot & Ankle Physicians, may recommend:

  • anti-inflammatory medication for the pain and swelling
  • exercises to stretch the plantar fascia and keep it from contracting
  • orthotics in your shoes to support your foot and relieve the pain

In some cases, a steroid injection may be recommended to reduce the inflammation and get you back on your feet quickly. If the condition persists, surgery can be done on the band of tissue to reduce the tension.


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