Running Injuries

Running puts a lot of pressure on the lower extremities, making it common to experience foot injuries. Here are a few things to look out for:

Black Toenails

This is a common ailment in distance runners and can be due to improper cutting of the toe nails or ill-fitting shoes. If the nail jams into the toebox, the base of the nail wiggles causing bleeding just below the surface. Limiting downhill running may help to avoid this problem.

Calluses

Calluses are a sign that feet are getting a lot of force on one spot. Calluses can develop on different parts of the feet depending on how you are running. Often times getting an insert or orthotic can help your feet to correctly absorb the impact of each step.

Neuromas

Neuromas are enlarged nerves that can cause toe cramps or pain in the ball of the foot. Neuromas can develop from wearing shoes that are too tight in the toebox or from doing hill running. Sticking to flat areas may help to subside the pain.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the connective fibers that run along the bottom of the foot become inflamed at the spot where they attach to the heel bone. This can cause pain the heel or arch. Plantar Fasciitis can be due to weak muscles in the feet and can improve with exercise focused on strengthening your toes and feet.

If you experience a running related injury, it is best to see a physician to address the problem and to help prevent it from happening again in the future.

Image by Timothy Takemoto. Running Shoes. (2005). Flickr.