Training For A Marathon? Two Common Foot Problems To Be Aware Of

If you're training for a marathon, then you've likely increased your weekly running regimen. This is important to get your body in shape for the huge task of running the race, but it also puts an incredible amount of stress on your feet. An increase in the amount of mileage you run every week can lead to a variety of feet issues. If you keep watch of them and consult a podiatrist in time, you can avoid severe problems that will have you sitting out the race. Here are the major foot problems to be aware of.

Achilles Tendinitis

The Achilles tendon is located on the back of your leg. It connects the heel to the calf muscle. If you overtrain, you can stress the tendon and cause it to get too tight. This can lead to pain in the calf or the heel. It's important to recognize the symptoms and adjust your workout. The symptoms include pain in the lower calf, the Achilles tendon, or even on the base of your heel. This pain might feel like a burning, or extreme tightness when stretching.

While Achilles tendinitis is common and can be treated with massage and other non-invase techniques (orthopedic footwear, icing, wrapping the ankle in tape) it is important to rule out a related, and very serious issue known as an Achilles tendon rupture. This will require surgery.

If during your run you develop severe pain at the back of your heel, stop running and immediately seek out the guidance of a podiatrist. It's crucial to rule out a rupture. If you continue to try and run on a ruptured tendon, you risk a debilitating injury.

Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia runs across the bottom of your foot. It connects the heel bone to the toe bones. It is also one of the most common areas of injury for runners. This is because of increased training, improper arch support, and even poor form. The symptoms include a sharp pain at the bottom of your foot. It will often occur when you first get up in the morning and begin to walk around, and then dissipate after a while.

The treatments include stretching to help keep the fascia limber, rolling pressure point balls on the bottom of your foot, and even using ice packs. If the pain is severe, and stretches are not working fast enough, then a podiatrist might use steroid injections or design special arch supports that will help alleviate the stress on the fascia.

For more information, contact Pinker & Associates or a similar organization.


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