Maybe you run to clear your mind. Perhaps you run to stay fit and disciplined. Either way, running is a gateway to better health.

Ironically, for avid runners, the sport is also hard on their ankles and feet. More than half of regular runners in the United States get hurt each year, both during training and marathon runs.

Whether you’ve just run your first marathon or you’re just getting back into the sport, Learn about the following common running injuries so you can avoid or recover from them.

Stress Fractures

When you’re pounding away at rough terrain or hard pavement, gravity gets the best of your feet as you run. Your feet are strong and sturdy, with 26 bones in each foot. But as with any stress, there comes a breaking point.

Stress fractures of the foot are small breaks or fissures across one or more of your bones. They might be mistaken for Tendinitis at first since the pain feels similar.

However, a stress fracture is serious and needs immediate medical at tension. Since putting a lot of stress on your foot is what caused the problem in the first place, there’s no need to exacerbate the injury. Rest for as long as your doctor recommends it.

An Interesting Alternative

If you want a speedier recovery and you’re interested in better form as you run, investigate whether a local gym has an anti-gravity treadmill. This treadmill unweights you using an inflation system. You’re then only running with a percentage of your total body weight, making your jog a low-impact activity.

Achilles Tendinitis

Tendinitis is one of the most common runner’s injuries due to lack of proper stretching, repetitive motion, or improper technique.

Do you ever skip your warmup or forget to stretch before you jog? If so, you’re at a risk for developing Achilles Tendinitis.

This injury strains and inflames the Achilles tendon, causing a sharp, painful pull along your foot and ankle. With mild cases of Tendinitis, a period of rest can help you heal. If you ignore the symptoms, however, it might result in a burst tendon that needs to be surgically repaired.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis can technically be a symptom of Achilles Tendinitis. This is an inflammation of your fascia ligament which runs along the bottom of your foot.

If you have Plantar Fasciitis, you might experience sharp pain at the heel or along the bottom of your foot. It can be made worse if you lack proper arch support through your running shoes. Also, if you are flat-footed, you’re at a greater risk of developing this injury.

Most Common Running Injuries Of The Ankle

While other ankle injuries are also a risk, the most common injury of the ankle is a sprain. You can sprain your ankle with a single misstep, which can happen on flat terrain or a rough trail.

The best way to control further issues after a sprain is to use the RICE method (rest, ice, compress, and elevate your foot). Do this before you see your podiatrist, but don’t put off scheduling your appointment. Ankle sprains can turn into stress fractures if neglected.

Are you An Injured Runner?

If you run regularly, foot and ankle injuries are bound to happen. When you experience any of these common running injuries, don’t wait long to be seen by a certified professional. Don’t assume that you can schedule a visit after just one more run. The best way to prevent a foot injury that needs surgery is to consult your family podiatrist today.

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Family Foot & Ankle Centers by clicking here or calling 972-597-4132 to reach our Waxahachie office, 903-872-9910 to reach our Corsicana office, or  972-875-3668 to reach our Ennis office.