Running is an excellent form of exercise, but it can lead to injuries if the feet and ankles are not properly supported. Common running injuries include Achilles tendonitis, which causes pain and stiffness along the back of the ankle, and plantar fasciitis, which creates sharp heel pain from inflammation of the foot’s arch. Prevention involves wearing supportive shoes, stretching regularly, gradually increasing mileage, and avoiding uneven terrain. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, provide custom orthotics, recommend strengthening exercises, and treat injuries to restore comfort and mobility. Ignoring foot pain can lead to chronic issues. If you have developed a foot or ankle injury from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Lateral foot pain refers to discomfort along the outer edge of the foot and may result from overuse, injury, poor foot mechanics, or conditions such as cuboid syndrome. This condition occurs when the cuboid bone is partially dislocated or misaligned, leading to sharp pain, weakness, or instability, especially during weight-bearing activities. Risk factors include ankle sprains, improper footwear, and repetitive stress. A podiatrist can diagnose the exact cause of lateral foot pain, perform necessary adjustments, provide custom orthotics, and recommend stretching and strengthening exercises. If you have persistent outer foot pain, do not ignore the symptoms. It is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome. 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar heel pain affects people of all ages, although it tends to occur more often in adults. This type of pain typically develops under the heel and may feel sharp or aching, often worsening with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. Several factors can increase your chances of developing plantar heel pain, including excess weight, health conditions like high blood pressure, or simply the natural aging process. Women may experience plantar heel pain more frequently than men, possibly due to differences in foot structure or footwear habits. Conditions like osteoporosis may also play a role, especially for women. Ignoring heel pain can lead to chronic discomfort and limit your ability to stay active. If you are experiencing ongoing pain in your heel, it is suggested you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.