Running and jogging can be great exercises for those who are looking to lose weight, get in shape, or simply build their athletic endurance. While this type of aerobic exercise certainly has its benefits, it should definitely be noted that these benefits do not come without the risk of injury. Runners can experience injuries for many different reasons, including improper footwear, an ineffective warm-up routine, or even gait abnormalities. Read on to discover two common ailments that affect runners and how a podiatrist can help you deal with them both.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the biggest causes of heel pain for runners and joggers. Your plantar fascia is the ligament that is responsible for connecting your heel to your toes and supporting the arch of your foot. When it becomes damaged because of the stress you put on it during your running routine, the bottom of your foot can become painful or swollen. Podiatrists Elizabeth NJ can take care of this problem by helping you understand the importance of proper rest or recommending specific stretches you can do to help relieve pain. For severe cases, your podiatrist may recommend that you wear splints at night and may even order a steroid shot to help ease the pain.
Heel Spurs
If you run or jog frequently on a hard surface (such as cement) or wear running shoes that don’t have arch support, you may find yourself battling heel spurs. Often associated with the development of plantar fasciitis, a heel spur occurs when calcium builds up on the underside of your heel bone. This condition is common in runners because of the constant stress they put on the ligaments in their feet.
Because this build-up usually happens over time, you may not even know about it until you begin experiencing chronic pain in your heel that is exacerbated during exercise or after standing for long periods of time. If this has happened to you, it’s time to see a podiatrist who can help you get rid of your pain with custom orthotic inserts, footwear and exercise recommendations, or anti-inflammatory medication or injections.
Don’t allow the pain you may be experiencing to stop you from engaging in the activities you love. Get in contact with Foot & Ankle Specialists of NJ today to find out how experienced Podiatrists Elizabeth NJ can help treat your condition and get your exercise routine back on track.
