Runners tend to injure their foot and leg much more than any other sportsperson. You should consider the possibility of experiencing foot pain as a professional athlete. Your foot injury could have been caused by muscle strain or a more severe condition like Achilles Tendinitis or Plantar Fasciitis. Bad running shoes could also be causing foot pain.
Let’s quickly go through the most common types of foot injuries:
Plantar Fasciitis
If you experience swelling and chronic pain in the bottom of your foot, it might be because of a disorder known as Plantar Fasciitis. The slight discomfort will soon become severe, causing you to scream in pain and sleepless nights. It’s like inserting nails or needles into your feet. Plantar Fasciitis can develop if your feet are overstrained, or if there is an unusual running style.
You must also improve your running and walking style as part of the treatment. Your tight-fitting running shoes should be thrown out. You should purchase shoes that are comfortable and provide support for your arch. Do not go out without shoes. Stretch your calves, strengthen them and roll your feet on a golfball if you can.
Achilles Tendinitis
When the Achilles tendon (a thick band of tissue that connects the calf muscles with the heel bone) gets inflamed and starts paining, doctor say you have developed Achilles Tendinitis. The lower parts of your body, including the legs and feet, experience a decrease in blood flow. Strong pain will be felt at the bottom of the foot, above your heel. Achilles Tendinitis is commonly caused by excessive training that puts pressure on your lower leg and tight shoes. Ice can be applied to the affected area for some relief. For pain relief and swelling, orthotics can be used, as well as heel lifts and comfortable shoes.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
iliotibial or IT band is a tendon that attached your knee to the hip. Iliotibial Band Syndrome is a condition where your IT becomes swollen. Running down is a problem for runners, who feel a sharp pain in their knees. If left untreated, the pain can quickly become worse. To ease the pain, massage your quadriceps or hamstring muscles. You may also want to use a foam roll. Avoid running downhill, and don’t do it multiple times.
Runner’s Knee
If you feel a constant throbbing underneath your kneecap when you run, it is because of patellofemoral knee syndrome or runner’s knee, as popularly called. Poor shoes for women can cause runner’s boot. You can relax and stop running. Apply ice to the affected areas and perform any exercises recommended by your physician. Don’t wear tight shoes.
Shin Splints
When your shin area starts aching, it is because of shin splints. Extreme cases of shin splints can cause unbearable pain by causing a stress fracture at the tibia. Shin splints can be caused by an abrupt increase in training time or power. This problem is most common in new runners. It is important to rest and apply ice on the affected area. To get your feet used to your training method, don’t suddenly increase the intensity.