Common Foot Injuries for Runners

Good foot health helps runners go the distance

A runners’ world is a unique one — where the strenuous physical and mental demands of traversing long distances must be conquered at almost all costs. But those steps can take a toll on the feet and ankles. Stresses across the bones, joints, and tendons are much greater while running. That extra stress, repeated over and over again, can lead to any number of runner-specific injuries.

At the office of J. Turner Vosseller, MD, our team of skilled professionals is committed to providing our patients with the highest levels of care to ensure optimum foot health. We offer these tips to help you reduce your risk of these common runners injuries:

Plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel out to the toes. If the fascia becomes inflamed, it can cause varying degrees of stabbing heel pain that can sideline a runner for an extended period of time. Treatment begins with frequent stretching of the Achilles tendon, as well as avoiding flat shoes or barefoot activity. In most cases, that remedies the problem. For more serious cases, a doctor may recommend night splints, arch supports, or even surgery.

Stress fractures

A stress fracture is a small crack that develops gradually through repetitive stress on a bone. The most common spots typically occur in the long bones of the mid-foot. Recovery usually requires a few weeks of rest, and your doctor might even recommend the use of crutches to keep weight off your foot until the pain subsides.

Shin Splints

A shin splint is an inflammation of the area where muscle attaches to bone. It is most common in the lower shin, just above the ankle, in front or on the inside of the leg.  Treating shin splints requires some decrease in running, along with frequent stretching. 

Committed to foot health

At the office of J. Turner Vosseller, MD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate dental care. For more information on our podiatry services as well as the other services we provide, give us a call today.

By J. Turner Vosseller

November 26, 2020