Preventing Injury From Running With A Podiatrist Consultation

When you are a runner, there are a number of injuries that can happen to your feet. There are 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles and ligaments. The foot is a very complex appendage and if you do not properly take care of it, especially when you do a lot of running, you will risk serious injury. Some of these injuries include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and runner's knee.

A podiatrist can help you to overcome these running issues in a number of ways. When you follow the advice of your podiatrist, you will be able to keep running while minimizing injury. As well, a few routines and maintenance plans will protect you from injury:

Proper Stretching. Stretching the muscles in your feet and calves can go a long way when it comes to preventing injury. Together with your podiatrist, you can come up with a stretching regimen that will help stretch your problem areas. Stretching for 5-10 minutes before running or exercising will more than likely prevent these serious injuries.

Achilles Tendinitis. When your calf muscles are too tight, this can often cause the Achilles tendon to overcompensate and become injured. This can be easily prevented be stretching the calves, the Achilles tendon and the shins.

Plantar Fasciitis. This common injury can also be helped or prevented by proper stretching. The plantar fascia is tissue that connects your heel to your toes. By stretching the arch of your foot you can greatly diminish the effects of plantar fasciitis.

Custom Orthotics or Minimalist Shoes. You will want to consult with your podiatrist when it comes to your feet and the types of shoes you should be wearing while running. A podiatrist will be able to examine the size and shape of your feet to help you determine if you need custom orthotic inserts of if you should opt for more of a minimalist shoe.

If you do need custom orthotics, a podiatrist will be able to fit the orthotics perfectly to your foot. This could give you increased arch support, cushion your heels, and prevent you from pronating which could lead to runner's knee.

Consulting with a podiatrist is the best way to ensure that you can prevent running injuries in the future. They will be able to look at the way you run, the shape of your feet, and prescribe certain stretches and exercises, help you find the right shoes and make you custom orthotics that make running more pleasant and injury free.

To learn more, try contacting a company such as Foot & Ankle Care Center PA with any questions or concerns you have.


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