Common Foot Problems For Runners
The human foot is a complex biomechanical structure that helps us walk, run and jump; however, it is also very vulnerable to injury. There are 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the foot. The foot helps absorb shock, propel you forward during a run, and adapt to any type of terrain.
When one part of your foot comes into contact with the ground, it puts pressure on that spot. Muscles and bones are necessary to balance the pressure, so if they're weak, it can cause injuries like ankle sprains, runner's knee and lower back pain. Weakness within the kinetic chain of a muscle is what causes the injury, and it can be made worse if there's a misalignment of the body. A misalignment of the body can increase the possibility of causing other problems.
Millions of people suffer from chronic foot pain. Foot pain is a common condition that can be caused by a wide variety of things, including but not limited to plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, stress fractures, neuromas, and hammertoes. A problem that often leads to chronic foot pain is an excessive arch in the foot, which causes the athlete to over-pronate. And wearing worn-out shoes or shoes that are too tight is also a problem since it can cause the athlete's foot to become unstable.
Common causes of foot pain
Your feet can get hurt whether you train once a month or every day. If you don't take care of them, you're likely to experience an injury or pain. These types of problems are common among runners, and they often happen because of the kind of shoes they wear, overtraining, and injuries due to repetitive stress. Here are some of the most common foot problems runners experience and what those problems mean.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain in runners; in fact, it is actually one of the most common running-related injuries in the UK today. It usually appears as a stabbing heel pain during the first few steps in the morning. Pain on the bottom of the foot, arch burning, and difficulty walking are all side effects of plantar fasciitis. It can often be worsened by overusing improper footwear.
Morton's neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a condition that affects the nerves in your foot. The irritation or compression of tissue under the metatarsal bones causes it to thicken, usually due to high-heeled or tight shoes. When this happens, it pinches the nerves and you will generally feel a burning sensation in the affected toes.
Sometimes people with Morton's Neuroma will also experience flat feet or a high arch. It's important to note that the two are not always connected; flat feet may cause shoes to overstretch and put excess pressure on your toes, while high arches could be caused by an improper push-off when walking.
Stress Fractures
A stress fracture is a thin crack or severe bruising within a bone. It can be caused by overuse, and runners are most at risk for developing the condition in their shins and feet. It can be challenging to diagnose, but you may notice pain and tenderness when the area is bumped or put under pressure, as well as thin lines on an x-ray.
Metatarsalgia
This condition can cause pain along with the long bones of your foot, which can become inflamed due to excessive pressure and contact with the ground while running. You need supportive shoes in order to reduce inflammation in your feet and heal more quickly.
Symptoms of Metatarsalgia include:
A stabbing of sensation in the ball of your foot
Pain and discomfort within the arches of your feet
Tingling and numbness in your feet
Difficulty walking after a long run
Achilles tendinitis
A common injury, Achilles tendinitis, is often very painful and is caused by over-exerting your Achilles tendon. The Achilles, a band of tissue that runs down the back of your lower leg and attaches to your calf muscles, can become strained when the intensity or duration of your activity increases.
Running is a way to release stress and escape the day's worries. That is, until you start to feel discomfort in the back of your leg or even above your heel. Fortunately, there are a few simple home remedies that can help you treat Achilles tendinitis. With rest and some easy home remedies like icing and anti-inflammatory medications, many sufferers will recover from this condition within one or two days.
Bunions
A bunion is a protrusion that forms on the joint of your big toe when some of the bones in your foot get pushed out of place. A bunion is typically caused by tight-fitting shoes that result in the toes bending and rubbing together. Whether high heels or dress shoes, wearing tight shoes can affect your feet. By making your toes crowd together, a bunion may occur.
Severe bunions may require surgery as they will not go away on their own. Other treatments to reduce pain include over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, minimising pressure from ill-fitting shoes, and wearing soft padding to help reduce swelling and pain.
*This blog contains general information about medical conditions and is not advice. You must not rely upon the information in this blog as medical advice. Medical advice should always be sought from an appropriately qualified podiatrist such as ourselves.