If you are just starting to run, you may be unfamiliar with the many foot and ankle injuries that can occur if adequate measures are not taken to prevent them. Some of these injuries include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, sprains, strains, and fractures. To help prevent foot and ankle problems associated with being a runner, make sure that you are wearing properly-fitted, comfortable running shoes. Start slowly, running just a few miles per week, and then work your way up, increasing the distance and time that you run. Stretch and strengthen the feet by warming up and cooling down before and after your runs. For more information about how to prevent running injuries when you are a beginner, consult with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Waltham and Milford, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Maintaining a daily foot care routine is essential for comfort and long-term health. Start by washing your feet thoroughly with soap and warm water to remove dirt and bacteria, then dry them completely to prevent fungal growth. Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin and keeps heels smooth. Trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails and gently file rough edges. Additionally, moisturizing daily maintains softness and reduces cracking. A podiatrist can provide professional advice on proper foot hygiene, nail trimming, and treatment for corns, calluses, or infections. If you notice persistent dryness, pain, or nail changes, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional everyday foot care tips. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from The Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Waltham and Milford, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar heel pain refers to discomfort at the bottom of the heel that can make standing or walking difficult. Common causes include plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spur syndrome, which is also known as a heel spur. This pain often develops gradually and may worsen with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. Diagnosis involves a physical exam along with imaging such as X rays or CT scans to identify the underlying cause. A podiatrist can design a customized treatment plan that may include stretching exercises, custom orthotics, footwear recommendations, and advanced therapies for pain relief and healing. Heel pain can be debilitating, and may limit your mobility. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide expert advice and appropriate treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Waltham and Milford, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.