Tips and Tricks for Running that your feet will thank you for.

The most common new runner injury is shin splints. We get so pumped up about our new passion for running that we do too much, too soon, too fast and our body needs time to adapt. Shin Splints come from a tendon imbalance and/or tightness in muscles. It is important to come in and get evaluated to see if we can help you with your stretching regimen or even orthotics for your shoes to help put your foot in a better position and relieve stress on your foot. 

Symptoms:

• Ache or sharp pain along the front or inner side of the lower leg
• Could have some swelling in the lower leg

You do not need to be a marathon runner to have this problem. Regular runners experience toenail issues, and it comes down to shoes that do not fit properly. Your toenail(s) can turn a dark color, which is caused by bleeding taking place under the toenail that cannot escape. Although usually painless, your entire nail may fall off or eventually grow out. Some cases may require you to contact your local Foot and Ankle Surgical office for treatment, such as removing the nail or part of the nail under local anesthetic. What causes runners toe? This issue is caused by your toe(s) slamming up against either the end or top of your shoes.

Things you can do to prevent runner’s toe:

• Lace your shoes tighter
• Trim your toenails appropriately
• Apply tape to your nails for the run
• Wear thicker or moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry

When pain develops due to the pressure of the nail pressing down, it is time to give our office a call.

Vionic shoes provide essential stability and addictive support. With a contour seamlessly engineered into each shoe, sandal and slipper, Vionic helps support natural alignment from the ground up.

While many brands offer comfort, only Vionic sandals and shoes are podiatrist-designed with Orthaheel Technology, approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), designed to restore natural foot function yet be more affordable, stylish, and accessible to people in need of pain relief!

Orthotics are devices inserted into a shoe, ranging from felt pads to custom-made shoe inserts, that correct an abnormal or irregular walking pattern. Sometimes called arch supports, orthotics allow people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably. While over-the-counter orthotics (made for an average foot) are available and may help people with mild symptoms, they normally cannot correct the wide range of symptoms that prescription orthotics can because they are not custom made to fit an individual’s unique foot structure. Think prescription eyeglasses versus generic readers. Orthotic devices come in many shapes, sizes, and materials and fall into three main categories:

• Those designed to change foot function
• Those that are primarily protective in nature
• Generic over-the-counter orthotics

This is a common running injury and caused pain right behind and around the knee cap. It’s also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, or “runners’ knee”. This injury is usually due to movements that load the knee joint in a flexed position. Runner’s Knee injuries can occur anytime you add impact to a bent knee as you leap forward.

Solution: Strength exercises

Completing some strength exercises that target the right muscles to keep your knee and hip in proper alignment is going to be crucial to your alleviating your knee pain. If you see any swelling at the knee joint, give us a call so our doctors can check you out and get you on the road to recovery and healthy knees!