Running With Foot Pain
If you're a runner, you know how tough it is to power through the pain to reach your goal. Consider the runners in the 1928 Footrace Across America. Known as the Bunion Derby of 1928, this footrace across America exposed runners to extreme weather conditions ranging from high summer heat to cold winter temperatures, difficult living conditions, and physical pain in this grueling endurance contest.
Although you may not face the extreme conditions like the runners of the Bunion Derby, you may still face the hardship of racing with pain caused by bunions, flat feet, hammertoes, and other foot anomalies. Those who have the desire to excel at this sport do so even if they don't have ideal feet.
Bunions - although bunions are often due to faulty foot structure they also arise as a result of how you walk and run through life. For example, if you overpronate when you run you're more likely to get bunions. Overpronation is often resolved with the right shoe and foot orthotic. You can try an over the counter orthotic if you haven't already. If this works, great! If not, you'll need to see a podiatrist to get custom orthotics made.
Flat Feet - runners with flat feet are at risk for developing plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. This can be particularly problematic for women who go from high heels to a lower running shoe. Avoiding high heels and use of custom orthotics are ways to keep doing the sport you love without the pain.
Hammertoes - this condition most commonly results from an imbalance in the muscle/tendon in the 3rd, 4th, or 5th toes causing the joints to contract. Wearing high heels or tight shoes can also contribute to the progression of this condition. Trimming and/or padding the corns and calluses that form, custom orthotics, and proper footwear are the primary treatments.
We'd love to support you in your running quest and enthusiasm for running. So get out there and get moving! Just be sure to do so properly to prevent injuries and you should be all set. If you do have a foot or ankle issue please contact Sims & Associates Podiatry at one of our office locations or request an appointment online and we be happy to assess your injury and discuss your best treatment options.
