Ready, Set, Run!

At NY Foot Health, we know many people are excited about getting back to running outdoors as spring slowly but surely arrives. Like any sport, running has its own set of challenges for your feet and ankles. Below are some common sports injuries associated with running and steps you can take to reduce your risk of podiatric pain and discomfort.

Shin Splints

At some point, nearly every runner has experienced this condition which is characterized by pain and swelling on the front sides of your lower legs. While people with certain podiatric conditions such as flat feet or overly tight calves can be more prone to shin splints, it is most often an indication of your shins absorbing too much shock. This is often a sign that you need a new pair of running shoes. At the start of the season, it’s important to inspect your shoes for signs of visible wear. The average running shoe is good for somewhere between 300-500 miles before internal components begin to break down.

Achilles Tendonitis

This is an inflammation of the long tendon that runs down the back of our lower leg from your calf to your heel bone. It can be extremely painful and limit your ability to walk, let alone run. Classified as on overuse injury, Achilles tendonitis is more likely to occur if you do too much too soon when you start back up your running routine or you do a lot of running uphill. Starting out slowly and gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your runs can help avoid Achilles tendonitis as can stretching and warming up before you start.

Ankle Sprain

Uneven terrain is often to blame for ankle sprains in runners. If you’ve been running on a treadmill all winter, you’ll need to re-train yourself to be on the lookout for divots and debris on your running course. Taping a weak or previously sprained ankle can also help.

Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain or plantar fasciitis is another common complaint among runners. The heels receive a tremendous amount of stress from the repetitive pounding required for running. If wearing running shoes with good arch support and stretching before your runs doesn’t seem to help, it’s important that you get your feet examined by a podiatrist. If you don’t currently have one, use our online directory to find one in your area.

To learn more about sports injuries that affect your feet, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.