Running is a beneficial way to work out. You don’t need to go to a fitness gym; it’s an inexpensive way to stay healthy; and all you need is a pair of good shoes. Because you can run practically anywhere and often fit a run into your lunch hour, it’s an exercise many people choose. Treating running injuries

However, despite all its positive aspects, there is one disadvantage to running: it’s easy to suffer leg, ankle, and foot injuries. Approximately half of regular runners are injured each year from falls and often from overuse. If your running injuries keep you off your feet, it’s important to meet with a podiatrist to help ensure a proper recovery.

See a Podiatrist if you Suffer These Running Injuries

While athletic adventures may be good for your health, they also come with the risk of injury. Some of the most common pain-causing issues we see in runner patients include:

Achilles tendinitis.

When your Achilles tendon is sore and overused, you will definitely feel the symptoms. However, tendinitis often goes away quickly through simple rest and anti-inflammatory meds, although you may need to also change your training routine.

Broken bones and stress fractures.

Broken bones often occur in contact sports; runners have a higher risk of stress fractures. These develop because runners repeatedly put weight on specific areas of the foot over a long period of time. Stress fractures can cause pain in any area, from the heel to the ball of the foot.

Ingrown toenail.

An ingrown toenail can be particularly painful and is a common condition with runners. Usually affecting the big toe, the nail grows into the skin and can cause throbbing pain that may interfere with your ability to run.

Plantar fasciitis.

This condition can develop because of repetitive motion, including running, and/or wearing the wrong shoes. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes and can be very painful.

Shin splints.

Inflammation and swelling can occur around the tibia, causing pain where the muscle and bone meet.

Sprains and strains.

When pushed too hard or twisted in an awkward way, ligaments and tendons can be strained and/or sprained.

Potential Treatments for Pain Caused by a Running Injury

If leg, ankle, or foot pain is interfering with your running routine, you should discuss it with a podiatrist who understands your condition and can offer possible treatments for your specific injury. These treatments may include:

Biologics.

If you’ve suffered a serious wound in your foot that penetrated the muscle, biologics may aid in speeding up recovery time.

Customized orthotics.

Sometimes a simple change of footwear will resolve your discomfort and prevent other injuries in the future. One way to help ensure pain-free running comes from customized orthotics that are fitted to your exact foot shape, so tendons and ligaments don’t receive as much stress with each step.

Foot surgery.

In many instances, Canyon Foot + Ankle prefers to start with more conservative treatments, but with serious injuries you may need surgery.

Laser therapy.

Chronic pain and inflammation in different areas of the foot often respond well to MLS laser treatment.

Medication.

While dealing with the symptoms of the injury, your podiatrist may prescribe oral medication or provide steroid shots to reduce inflammation or manage pain.

Tailored home care.

At-home care can help in your recovery. You might use cold packs, stay off your feet for a while, or even change exercise habits.

Wound care.

Cuts and scrapes can become very serious problems if they’re infected, but a podiatrist can walk you through the process of keeping your wound clean, so it heals properly.

When an Injury Impacts Your Running Routine, Call a Podiatrist

If you’re a runner, and leg, ankle, and/or foot pain is interfering with your daily exercise, set up an appointment to diagnose your injury. Our Magic Valley podiatry team is ready to help you build a treatment plan for your injury. Schedule an appointment online today, or give us a call at:

  • Twin Falls: 208-733-0436
  • Burley: 208-678-2727