Runners: No Pain, No Gain?
Not necessarily.
Running is a great way to stay healthy and get in shape. You can do it almost anywhere, anytime. Many runners cite the high endorphin after a run as a major motivator for lacing up and heading out. However, sore feet during and after a run can make even the most committed runner cranky.
Most foot-related problems are classified as “overuse,” and runners are one group prone to injury from their activity. With each foot pounding the ground approximately 800 times per mile, it is no wonder some runners have sore arches, spiking pain in the heels or prickly pain in their shins. Any slight imbalances in your stride or issues with the structure of your feet will eventually result in an ache here or there. Even with quality running shoes – your feet may not be getting the support they need.
The Importance of Custom Orthotics for Runners
Think of your feet as the foundation of a building. If the building is on a solid foundation, then the structure’s integrity is preserved. If the building is constructed on sand, it will likely not stand very long. Custom orthotics and footbeds provide the foundation for the rest of the body as well because the forces that occur on the feet will be transmitted up through the ankle, knee, hip, and lower back.
The most common foot problems that runners encounter are:
Plantar fasciitis is sometimes called “heel spurs.” This is heel pain that occurs as the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot pulls on its attachment to the heel when the foot flattens. The pain is generally worse first thing in the morning, improving for a while, and then may become painful again after rest.
Metatarsalgia – This is a general term referring to a burning pain or numbness across the ball of the foot and toes. The condition is often a result of shoes that are too narrow or where the arch across the ball of the foot has collapsed, causing the nerves that travel between the toes to become squeezed.
Knee Pain – Most knee pain associated with running is caused by excessive lower leg rotation. When running, the foot bears up to four times your body weight. The foot is supposed to absorb this shock by flattening – which causes the leg and knee to rotate toward the inside, creating friction of the Iliotibial Band against the outside of the knee.
Shin splints – This is pain on the front of the lower leg often caused by excessive rotation of the lower leg due to over pronation or flattening of the feet causing the muscles and tendons in the lower leg to stretch.
Proper foot support using custom footbeds and orthotics (also known as arch supports or shoe inserts), can effectively treat overuse injuries and prevent injuries from occurring.
Order your Custom Running Orthotics today. It’s easy. It’s fast. Alleviate foot pain today with custom orthotics for runners from Foot Dynamics.
Foot Dynamics is a Comfort Shoe Store with a modern, highly innovative orthotics lab located in Boise, Idaho. It provides orthotic fabrication services for medical professionals and consumers worldwide.
