3 Cases In Which Runners Should See A Podiatrist
Running can be hard on your feet. Especially when you are training hard for a race, a certain amount of foot soreness is to be expected. Even the occasional blister or sore is not usually anything unusual or anything to be too concerned about. But sometimes, runners do have a tendency to ignore foot problems that really should be treated by a podiatrist. Here are three cases in which runners really should see a foot doctor.
You have ingrown toenails.
Ingrown toenails are toenails that grow into the corners of your nail bed. They can become sore if they rub on your shoe. They may also become infected, in which case they may become red, swollen, and overly painful. If you do have ingrown toenails, it's a good idea to see a podiatrist. They can trim the ingrown nails in a way that reduces rubbing when you run, and also in a way that will encourage the nails to grow back normally again.
You have isolated pain in the top of your foot.
There is a difference in foot soreness and the type of foot pain that indicates an injury. If you have moderate to severe pain at a specific spot on the top of your foot, you likely have an injury — probably a stress fracture in one of the metatarsal bones of your feet. Stress fractures are overuse injuries and are fairly common in runners who do too much, too soon. A podiatrist can x-ray your foot and determine if you do, indeed, have a stress fracture. If you are diagnosed, they may have you wear a protective boot and take time off from training for a few weeks. They may help you develop a plan that eases you back into running, slowly, once healed.
Pain where your arch meets your heel.
The other place you may feel pain as a runner is in the arch of your foot where it meets your heel. This is often due to a condition called plantar fasciitis, which is a swelling and soreness of the connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. Plantar fasciitis can be tough to treat, and many runners require physical therapy or cortisone injections in order to shake it. You may be able to run through it but with restrictions set forth by your podiatrist.
As a runner, it is important to be mindful of your feet. Seek care if you're struggling with any of the issues above.
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