Blog

Foot and Ankle Injuries Common in Runners

Running places repeated stress on the 26 bones and numerous joints, tendons, and ligaments in the foot and ankle, which can lead to overuse injuries. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated, causing sharp heel pain. Achilles tendinopathy involves damage to the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel, leading to stiffness and pain at the back of the ankle. Metatarsalgia, or pain in the ball of the foot, is usually caused by excess pressure on the long bones behind the toes. Stress fractures are small cracks in these bones that develop from repetitive impact and may cause swelling and tenderness. A podiatrist can order diagnostic imaging and prescribe custom orthotic devices or other medical treatment to reduce pain and support healing. If you have foot or ankle pain after running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kevin Davis of Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries

Causes of Foot Cramps

Foot cramps are sudden, painful muscle spasms that can affect the arch, toes, or entire foot. They occur when a muscle contracts forcefully and does not relax properly, leading to a tight, sometimes painful, knotted feeling. Several factors can trigger foot cramps. Muscle fatigue from overuse or prolonged standing places stress on the foot. Poor circulation reduces oxygen delivery to muscles, increasing cramp risk. Nerve damage, meaning disrupted signals between the brain and muscles, may also cause spasms. Imbalances in minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium interfere with normal muscle function. Certain medical conditions and medication can further increase risk. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, nerve function, and circulation, order imaging, and provide custom orthotics or other medical treatment to reduce cramping episodes. Early care can prevent worsening symptoms and complications. If you regularly experience foot cramps, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

Comparing a Sprained or Broken Ankle

Ankle pain can come from different injuries, and two of the most important to understand are sprains and fractures. A sprain occurs when ligaments, the strong bands that hold bones together, are stretched or torn. This often happens after the ankle twists, leading to swelling, bruising, and pain with movement. A fracture means a break in one or more bones of the ankle joint. Fractures usually cause sudden, severe pain, visible swelling, and difficulty putting weight on the foot. In some cases, the ankle may appear misshapen. A podiatrist can perform a detailed exam to assess joint stability and order X-rays and other imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include bracing, immobilization, or surgery, depending on the type of injury and severity. Early evaluation helps prevent long-term joint damage and instability. If you are experiencing severe ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist for medical treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Various Causes of Ankle Pain

Facts About Foot Stress Fractures

Foot stress fractures are small cracks in the bones of the foot caused by repetitive stress or overuse, rather than a single traumatic event. Common symptoms include localized pain that worsens with activity, swelling, tenderness, and bruising. They often result from high-impact activities, sudden increases in exercise intensity, or improper footwear. Risk factors include osteoporosis, poor nutrition, improper training techniques, and repetitive athletic activity. Prevention can involve adjusting training routines, wearing supportive shoes, and shortening stride length to reduce impact on the bones. A podiatrist can diagnose stress fractures with imaging, formulate a treatment plan, prescribe orthotics, and offer guidance to safely return to activity. If you have symptoms of a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can confirm the problem and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

  • Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
  • Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
  • Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Connect With Us