The joys of running for exercise are many. You don’t need a lot of equipment and you can frequently find a nice refreshing outdoor venue to exercise in and unwind, and there are often indoor tracks that you can use during bad weather. Despite the ease of getting into running for exercise, it’s important to wear the right shoes and you need to be aware of possible injuries that often occur to runners.
Some of the injuries that are most often experienced by runners include the following:
- Ankle sprains—Sprains and strains to the ankle are one of the most common injuries. An ankle sprain can be just a mild annoyance, but it can also be so severe that it is impossible to walk on the affected foot. An ankle sprain needs to be evaluated by a foot doctor to determine the severity and to initiate the best treatment to make sure proper healing occurs, reducing the risk of reinjury. After the injury has been stabilized, a strengthening and flexibility program will help to slowly get your ankle back to health.
- Achilles tendonitis—The large tendon that runs from your calf muscle to the back of your heel is called the Achilles tendon. It is actually the largest tendon in the body. The repetitive stress of running can cause swelling and irritation to this tendon, often resulting in serious pain. Resting the foot upon first noticing the injury is a good way to prevent further damage, but if your symptoms persist after a week or two, you need to have it evaluated by your foot doctor.
- Hairline fractures—Stress fractures are tiny cracks that occur to your bones from repetitive stress that can progress slowly over time. A sudden burst of activity may cause a more severe break. An increase of pain during running that subsides when you are done is often a sign of a stress fracture.
- Plantar fasciitis—Severe heel pain is often one of the first signs that the fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot is damaged. You may experience severe pain when you arise from bed, but this will subside after a short time.
If you experience adverse symptoms for several days or if the pain becomes debilitating, you need to schedule an appointment with your podiatrist. Dr. Scott Nelson of Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, TX, is a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist who has helped people suffering from all types of foot and ankle injuries and deformities. From bunions to diabetic foot problems, sports injuries and fungal nails, you can trust that Dr. Nelson and his staff are wholeheartedly devoted to your foot health. Please contact our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment by calling 972-414-9800.