Exercises Can Help Prevent Running Injuries

Running places repeated stress on the feet and ankles, making injury prevention an important part of this activity. Good preparation includes choosing shoes that provide proper support, increasing training gradually, and performing stretching and strengthening exercises that improve flexibility and stability. Ignoring early foot or ankle pain can lead to more serious problems that affect running performance. A chiropodist can assess your foot structure, walking and running patterns, and pressure points that increase the risk of injury. They can also identify problems like flat feet, high arches, or limited joint movement that place extra strain on muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Treatment includes custom orthotics and guidance on exercises that support healthy foot function and help reduce injury risk. If you have sustained a running injury that affects your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Although running is a wonderful exercise to keep you in shape, it can wreak havoc on your feet and ankles if you don’t take preventive measures. If you have sustained a foot and ankle injury from running, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Some common running injuries include:

  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Shin splints
  • Ankle sprains
  • Stress fractures
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Bursitis 

What causes injuries? 

These injuries are usually caused by overtraining, wearing the wrong shoes, running on hard surfaces, having tight and inflexible muscles, or having biomechanical issues in the feet or ankles. 

What can I do to prevent injuries? 

  • Train slowly and gradually
  • Give yourself plenty of time to recover following a run
  • Wear shoes that fit properly and support your foot
  • Avoid running on hard surfaces, like concrete
  • Stretch and strengthen the muscles of your lower legs
  • Warm-up prior to a run
  • Have your gait analyzed and your feet examined by a chiropodist to determine if there are any biomechanical problems that need to be treated 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Niagara Falls, ON

Read more about Preventing Running Injuries

Sever’s Disease in Active Children

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repeated stress. This condition is most often seen in physically active young children and teenagers who participate in running and jumping sports. The heel bone grows faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, which can create tension and irritation. Symptoms of Sever’s disease include heel pain during activity, tenderness at the back of the heel, and mild swelling. Children may walk on their toes or limp to avoid discomfort. Pain often worsens after sports and improves with rest. Risk factors include participation in high-impact sports, rapid growth spurts, and tight calf muscles. Improper footwear and a lack of support can increase strain on the heel. Children with flat feet or high arches may also be more prone to this condition. Management includes rest, stretching exercises, and supportive footwear to reduce stress on the heel. Early care helps prevent ongoing discomfort and supports healthy growth. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can accurately diagnose and provide effective relief tips for Sever’s disease.

Sever’s disease typically affects young children and teenagers. If your child complains of foot pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Sever’s Disease? 

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It is typically caused by overuse due to repetitive activities such as running, jumping, and playing certain sports. This condition most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of Sever’s disease include: 

  • Pain in the back or bottom of the heel
  • Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed
  • Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel
  • Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities
  • Fatigue 

Diagnosis

Sever’s disease is diagnosed by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, can help rule out other injuries like a fracture. 

Treatment

Sever’s disease typically heals without any long-term complications. Treatment involves resting the affected foot by reducing typical activities, wearing orthotics to support the foot, immobilizing the affected foot, taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and stretching the foot. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Niagara Falls, ON

Read more about Sever's Disease

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Managing Pain on the Bottom of the Foot

Pain on the bottom of the foot can arise from a variety of conditions, and identifying the source is the first step toward relief. Common causes include plantar fasciitis, nerve irritation, stress fractures, fat pad thinning, or overuse injuries from walking or running. Wearing shoes that lack cushioning or arch support can worsen the discomfort by placing additional stress on the tissues. The pain may be sharp first thing in the morning, dull and achy by the end of the day, or burning if nerves are involved. Simple measures such as rest, stretching, wearing and supportive shoes often reduce strain. Custom orthotics or targeted exercises  may provide further relief in persistent cases. Because the underlying reason can vary, self treatment may not always resolve the issue. If bottom of the foot pain continues, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for a complete evaluation and tailored care.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

When you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

  • Stress fractures
  • Sinus tarsi syndrome
  • Extensor tendonitis
  • Tibialis anterior tendonitis
  • Gout
  • Athlete’s foot
  • Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Foot cramps
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fibromatosis
  • Posterior tibial tendonitis
  • Stress fractures
  • Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

  • Ankle sprain
  • Cuboid syndrome
  • Peroneal tendonitis
  • Stress fractures
  • Bunions
  • Corns or calluses
  • Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Bone spurs
  • Heel fractures
  • Retrocalcaneal bursitis
  • Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

  • Gout
  • Hammertoe
  • Turf toe
  • Bunions
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Blisters
  • Arthritis

These and many more conditions can be treated by a chiropodist. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Niagara Falls, ON

Read more about Foot Pain

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Connect With Us