Sometimes your efforts as an athlete can turn awry, especially if you like to run. Runners can suffer unexpected pain in their feet as well as their knees. Fortunately, if you do experience a running injury that involves your foot or ankle, you can be referred to a foot and ankle specialist in Racine, WI or the surrounding area.
Plantar Fasciitis
One of the ailments that a foot and ankle specialist normally manages is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis involves an inflammation of the bottom of the foot and is, perhaps, the worst problem that plagues people who like to run. The common trait of the condition is a tight and sharp pain at the base of the heel that can range from slightly uncomfortable to extremely distracting.
A Vicious Cycle
The feeling has been compared to stepping on a nail. Eventually, the discomfort subsides until another running event and then returns the following day. It’s one of those vicious cycles that a foot and ankle specialist sees regularly.
Plantar fasciitis can occur from one of several reasons, some of which include overuse, overtraining, or wearing the wrong type of footwear. However, the root of the issue lies in weakened and tight muscles in the foot. If your feet are in a weakened state, the heel takes on an excessive burden, which it cannot handle when you are running on it regularly.
In order to fix the ailment, physicians often recommend stability shoes or orthotics. These types of accessories often serve as temporary solutions and can eliminate the discomfort for a short time. However, be forewarned, they are not considered a permanent fix. In the interim, you need to avoid walking on your bare feet and practice a program of strengthening and stretching the calves. It also helps to roll the feet around on a golf ball and place ice on the affected area.
