Menu
Foot pain is a common issue among runners, often caused by the repetitive impact and stress placed on the feet during running. One of the most common causes of foot pain in runners is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. This condition is often triggered by overuse, improper footwear, or changes in running surfaces or distances, leading to sharp heel pain, especially in the morning or after long periods of rest.
Another common cause is overpronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively with each stride. This can put extra strain on the foot and lead to discomfort in the arch, heel, and even the knees. Many runners with flat feet or weak foot muscles experience overpronation, which can result in issues like shin splints or arch pain.
Runners can also suffer from stress fractures, small cracks in the bones of the foot caused by repetitive force and impact. This is common in those who increase their mileage too quickly or run on hard surfaces without proper recovery time. Additionally, Morton’s neuroma, which involves the thickening of tissue around a nerve in the ball of the foot, can occur due to tight shoes, high arches, or repetitive pressure from running.
Foot pain is so common in runners because the feet bear the brunt of each step, absorbing the impact of the body’s weight. Without proper training, footwear, or recovery, these issues can become chronic, leading to long-term discomfort and limiting performance.
The impact of foot pain can be significant, especially since most people are on their feet all day. Whether you’re walking at work, stepping over your kids’ toys left on the ground, or jogging to keep up with your toddler or teenager at soccer practice, foot pain can make every step uncomfortable. When you’re dealing with foot pain or plantar fasciitis, it’s tempting to sit on the couch, put your feet up, and avoid activity altogether.
Foot pain in runners is often linked to muscle imbalances, poor running mechanics, or misalignments higher up the kinetic chain, such as the hips or knees. Without identifying and correcting these imbalances, the pain will likely return once you resume running or increase activity levels.
Another reason why foot pain persists is improper footwear. Shoes that don’t provide the right support or cushioning can exacerbate issues like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or stress fractures. Simply masking the pain without addressing the root cause allows the issue to continue, sometimes worsening over time.
If left untreated, foot pain can lead to more than just discomfort. It can cause you to alter your running form, which may lead to other injuries in the knees, hips, or lower back. Additionally, persistent foot pain can limit your ability to stay active, decreasing your mobility and overall fitness. Over time, this can lead to a decline in your physical health, weight gain, and a reduced quality of life. Treating the pain properly is essential to restoring your ability to move freely and maintain an active lifestyle.
At Ageless Agility, we treat many patients with plantar fasciitis and have found that much of it actually stems from compensations higher up in the kinetic chain, such as at the knee or hip level. When the intrinsic muscles of the foot are weak, they cannot properly support the foot’s natural arch. This weakness leads to rotation and pronation of the foot, which puts stress on the plantar fascia, the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. The fascia becomes stretched and irritated, causing the sharp pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
Additionally, poor running mechanics, overuse, or sudden increases in activity can further exacerbate the strain on the foot, making it difficult to find lasting relief. When your body compensates for these imbalances, the pain continues to persist, and the issue may even spread to other areas of the body, such as the knees or hips.
This is where we take a dual approach to treatment. We combine hands-on manual therapy, which helps address tightness and misalignment in the foot, with strength and balance training to target the root cause of the issue – weak muscles and improper mechanics. By improving the strength of the foot, hip, and core muscles, we can reduce the compensation that causes excessive stress on the fascia.
This comprehensive treatment plan allows you to return to the activities and sports you love without the constant worry of foot pain. Our goal is to provide a long-term solution, so you can stay active, pain-free, and back to enjoying life without restrictions.
If you’re ready to fix your running injury and enhance your running performance, here are a few options we offer to help you get back on track:
Download A Free Running Injury Report
If you’re tired of relying on pain medications, injections, and short rest periods, and are looking for a more natural way to begin your recovery, I have a great resource for you. You can download my free injury prevention report. This report includes valuable tips and tricks to help relieve some of the most common injuries related to hip, knee, foot, and ankle pain – particularly for runners.
Arrange A Free Telephone Consultation
We also offer a free telephone consultation. During this call, you’ll speak with me or a member of my team. We’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your injury or pain, and provide a clearer understanding of what’s going on, and what next steps you can take. This call will also give you insights into how we can help you naturally relieve your injuries and get you back on track.
Arrange A Free Discovery Visit
If you’re ready to take the next step, we can also schedule a free discovery visit. During this visit, we’ll dive deeper into your injury, provide a thorough evaluation, and discuss personalized options to help you recover without relying on medications or injections. This is the first step in your journey toward a more natural recovery.
Simply Complete The Short Form and We’ll Email You Your FREE REPORT
Are you unsure if Physical Therapy is right for you? Would you prefer to talk with a PT before making a decision? All you have to do is click the link below to fill out a simple form.
If you’re not quite ready to book an appointment yet and have some questions you would like answered first, click the link below to complete the form.
Ageless Agility Performance & Sport Rehabilitation
4151 SW 47th Ave. STE 2B Davie, FL 33314
(Hours Vary By Appointment Only)
With 12+ years of experience in Plano, I specialize in pelvic floor dysfunction, achieving life-changing results. I collaborate with local providers and raise awareness through workshops and media to educate and empower individuals.