The Boston Marathon will be here sooner than we realize, so you will most definitely want to make sure your feet are in tip-top running shape if you are tackling this endeavor. There are several foot conditions that plague marathon runners quite often, but we can teach you how to prevent them with a little extra precaution.
When it comes to thinking about running problems it’s important to remember your ABCD’s:
- A is for Abrasions/Blisters. There are certain pressure points on the feet that are more susceptible to abrasions and blisters. To prevent them from occurring you can wear socks that wick away moisture from the feet, which causes less friction. You can also put some protective padding in your shoes to cover areas that are more prone to abrasions.
- B is for Bone Breaks. Stress fractures are very common in runners, and although they may start out benignly enough they can become complicated very quickly. It isn’t advised to run with a stress fracture, but you can do your best to avoid it in the first place. Although wearing shoes that offer more cushioning doesn’t necessarily prevent a fracture it’s still a good idea to wear shoes that fit properly and are comfortable. Another piece of advice is to rest your feet every so often by cross training (you can try cycling or swimming).
- C is for Cramping/Tendinitis. These are overuse injuries and can be avoided by simply warming up your feet gradually. Remember not to increase speed or intensity too quickly, and instead do it over time. A good pair of arch supports can also help decrease your likelihood of developing tendinitis or shin splints.
- D is for Disorders of the Toenails. Almost every marathon runner has experienced a black toenail at least once. When a toenail turns black it means blood has pooled beneath the nail, which is usually the result of your toe banging against the inside of your shoes. The easiest way to prevent this is by wearing shoes that fit correctly.
For more information regarding foot conditions that affect marathoners call Dr. Mitchell Wachtel at (978) 794-8406 and schedule a consultation with us in one of three conveniently located offices in North Andover, Haverhill, or Lowell