Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Preventing running injuries requires a combination of proper warm-up, focused training, and strength-building exercises. Starting each run with a warm-up is essential to prepare the muscles and joints for the physical demands of running. Dynamic stretches such as leg swings, high knees, and lunges help improve flexibility and activate key muscle groups. Running with purpose, by focusing on technique and form, is another critical step. This involves maintaining an upright posture, engaging the core, and avoiding overstriding to reduce unnecessary strain on the body. In addition to running, strength training exercises, such as calf raises, squats, and lunges, can help build stability and endurance. Incorporating drills like strides or short sprints at the end of easy runs can also improve speed and running efficiency. If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment and injury prevention techniques.
All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris of Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.
More Tips for Preventing Injury
Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
“Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
Cross-Training is Crucial
Wear Proper Running Shoes
Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Poulsbo, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
During the third trimester of pregnancy, many women experience structural changes in the feet and arches due to the physical demands of pregnancy. As the body prepares for childbirth, hormonal changes, particularly the increase in the hormone relaxin, cause the ligaments in the feet to loosen and become more flexible. This increased flexibility can lead to a flattening of the arches, a condition known as flat feet. Additionally, the added weight from the growing baby places extra pressure on the feet, leading to discomfort, swelling, and sometimes pain. The feet may widen, and the arch may collapse, making it difficult to wear certain shoes or stand for long periods. To manage these changes, it is important to wear supportive shoes, elevate the feet when possible, and perform gentle foot exercises to improve strength and circulation. If you have foot pain or notice concerning changes in your feet during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief tips.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
Wear shoes with good arch support
Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
Elevate feet if you experience swelling
Massage your feet
Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Poulsbo, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that develops due to repetitive force or overuse, often occurring in weight-bearing bones like the metatarsals. These fractures are common among athletes, particularly runners, and can also affect individuals who suddenly increase their physical activity. Key causes include improper footwear, inadequate training techniques, and conditions such as osteoporosis that weaken bones. Symptoms typically manifest as localized pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Swelling, tenderness, and bruising surrounding the affected area may also be present. Unlike acute fractures, stress fractures can develop gradually, making early detection challenging. Recognizing the signs and seeking prompt medical attention from a podiatrist is essential for effective treatment, which may include rest and immobilization to promote healing and prevent future injuries. If you have sustained a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you confer with this type of doctor who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.
Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.
How Are They Caused?
Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon. Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.
Risk Factors
Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures
Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Poulsbo, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
