Let’s begin with Achilles tendonitis
Your Achilles tendon comprises the tissues that connect your heel to your lower-leg muscles. Sudden swelling of your Achilles can be the result of rapid mileage increase, improper footwear, having tight calf muscles, or a naturally flat foot.
Avoid leg pain and foot pain caused by Achilles tendonitis by stretching your calf muscles properly before heading out for a run, and again when you are done with your workout. Wearing supportive shoes is also another way to prevent injury to your Achilles as well as using the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) strategy. For some, Achilles tendinitis can become so painful that treatment for heel pain such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) may be needed.
Pesky Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is tissue on the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is the result of this tissue becoming inflamed, irritated, or torn. Plantar fasciitis is often caused by a runner’s excess pounding on the road or wearing unsupportive footwear during long-distance running. The result? Extreme stiffness or stabbing foot pain in the arch of the foot.
Safeguard your feet from plantar fasciitis by wearing running shoes with extra cushions. Also, some runners find foot pain relief by rolling a tennis ball over the heel to stretch the muscles. If the foot pain persists, Dr. Schoenhaus may recommend wearing custom-made orthotics or maybe even steroid injection therapy.
Annoying Ankle Sprain
You will know right away if you’ve suffered an ankle sprain as this injury can cause some serious foot pain. An ankle sprain occurs when your ankle rolls outward, and it can stretch and tear your ankle ligaments if you aren’t careful. Most ankle sprains occur when runners improperly run over curbs and potholes or suffer an unfortunate landing.
If you’re suffering from an ankle sprain, it’s best to stay off your feet for a while until your ankle has properly healed. Depending on the severity of the sprain you may want to visit your foot care specialist for more definitive treatment.
You don’t have to be a beginner or even a professional to suffer from a running injury. Many injuries can lead to extreme foot pain, so it’s best to prevent them from happening at all costs. However, accidents do happen and foot pain caused from a running injury can be very real. If you have suffered from a running injury and are suffering from severe pain, you may want to speak with Dr. Schoenhaus for a proper diagnosis.
