Foot and ankle pain is a common issue for runners, often resulting from muscle imbalances, over-training, prior injuries, poor foot biomechanics, or inappropriate footwear. The specific location of the pain can help identify the cause. Pain on the top of the foot may indicate extensor tendonitis, tight shoes, or a stress fracture. Pain on the side of the foot could be caused by a ligament sprain, tendonitis, or a stress fracture. Pain on the outer edge of the foot is often linked to peroneal tendonitis, cuboid syndrome, or a ligament sprain. Heel pain is frequently caused by Achilles tendonitis, bursitis, or a bone spur. Arch pain can be related to plantar fasciitis, muscle cramps, or plantar fibroma. Additionally, ankle pain may stem from ligament sprains, muscle imbalances, or ankle impingement. A chiropodist can help by diagnosing the cause and offering appropriate treatments. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain during or after a run, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for expert advice and guidance.
Although running is a wonderful exercise to keep you in shape, it can wreak havoc on your feet and ankles if you don’t take preventive measures. If you have sustained a foot and ankle injury from running, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
Some common running injuries include:
- Achilles tendonitis
- Shin splints
- Ankle sprains
- Stress fractures
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bursitis
What causes injuries?
These injuries are usually caused by overtraining, wearing the wrong shoes, running on hard surfaces, having tight and inflexible muscles, or having biomechanical issues in the feet or ankles.
What can I do to prevent injuries?
- Train slowly and gradually
- Give yourself plenty of time to recover following a run
- Wear shoes that fit properly and support your foot
- Avoid running on hard surfaces, like concrete
- Stretch and strengthen the muscles of your lower legs
- Warm-up prior to a run
- Have your gait analyzed and your feet examined by a chiropodist to determine if there are any biomechanical problems that need to be treated
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.