Foot Health for Runners

Foot Health for Runners

Feet come in all different shapes and sizes and are prone to many problems, especially when running is involved. Physical Therapists can provide a detailed analysis of your feet and running style to help you prevent and treat foot problems that often result from running.

Essential Functions of the foot
• Feet provide your base-they plan an important role in balance and support.
• Feet absorb shock- their flexibility helps to minimize impact when the foot hits the ground.
• Feet propel you forward- in addition to its role as a flexible “shock absorber,” the foot stiffens at a certain point in the running cycle to help move you forward.

Common Foot Problems
Physical therapists often see foot problems related to the way in which a runner’s foot is built:
• A very flat foot typically has too much mobility and not enough support. Individuals with flat feet (low arches) are often more at risk for pain in the tendons on the inside of the ankle, pain on the inside of the knee, or pain in the arch of the foot near the heel (planter fasciitis).
• A foot that is too stiff usually has a high arch and is likely to be poor at absorbing forces from running. Pain in the arch and heel (heel spurs and planter fasciitis) can result from poor shock absorption. If the foot is poor at absorbing shock then that shock often affects the individual’s low back, knees, or hips.

Common Solutions
• Proper shoe choice is important for the most efficient foot function
• Exercise correct muscular imbalances including weakness, tightness and inflammation.

How a Physical Therapist Can Help
Physical therapists are experts at analyzing a body’s structure, alignment and movement. For foot pain, this involves a detailed examination of your foot and how it relates to the rest of your body. Recommended modifications to get back to running after an injury may include special exercises to improve strength and muscle balance as well as proper shoe choice.

Please call 410-290-4480 we would love to see you and provide assistance to get you back out there moving pain free.

Touchstone Physical Therapy and Wellness
8865 Stanford Blvd, Suite 114, Columbia MD 21045
410-290-44820

(410) 290-4480 Call to schedule an appointment today EMAIL frontdesk@touchstonecolumbia.com