Running is one of the most common forms of exercise that people do, with millions of self-identified runners in this country alone. With so many people regularly getting out and going for a run, there are bound to be many different issues that afflict them after a while. When runners do not practice the proper stretching or safety tips before, during, and after their running, they open themselves up to being susceptible to various foot issues. Here are some of the most common foot issues that runners experience.
Soft Corns on your feet
Wearing properly fitting shoes when running is important. When the shoe becomes so tight that it restricts the natural form of the toes, then this becomes an issue. When the toes become squished together and begin to rub up against each other, it can cause a buildup of white and moist skin between them which is called a soft corn.
Although this condition can occur on any of the toes, it is most commonly found between the fourth and pinky toe. When someone has this condition it will feel the most painful when wearing shoes, but even when barefoot the individual might experience a slight burning sensation.
If someone has developed a soft corn, then there are a few different treatments that they can seek to help repair the damage. The best treatments are to get wider shoes, use a soft, non-medicated pad, or toe spacers. This gives the toes the freedom that they need to allow the damage to repair itself over time and relieve the pain of soft corns.
Athlete’s Foot
When people run, their feet are going to sweat. This is an unavoidable fact that does not pose much of a danger, unless the runner does not take proper care of their feet after their run has finished. When this moisture is allowed to fester between the toes and not given the proper time to dry out, then they open themselves up to contracting athlete’s foot–a fungus infection.
This condition may come in the form of cracked skin, itching skin, or burning skin which is bothersome whether wearing shoes or not. The best treatments for someone with athlete’s foot is to start drying between their toes better (after bathing, after running, and at the end of the day), putting baby powder in their shoes, and wearing high-tech moisture wicking socks.
Plantar Fasciitis
One of the most common causes of heel pain in runners is plantar fasciitis. This inflammation of a thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that is located along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes is a very uncomfortable condition. When the fascia undergoes repetitive stress, it can tear or even lead to a stress fracture in the heel bone.
Preventing plantar fasciitis from occurring in the first place can be done with a variety of stretches. However, once someone is afflicted with the condition, they should seek some professional assistance. Some of the state of the art treatments that Dr. Titko offers to relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis include Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Multi-Wave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy, and Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma Injections.