Running, while an excellent form of exercise, can lead to a variety of foot and ankle injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and ankle sprains. Fortunately, there are preventative measures that you can take to reduce your risk of injury. When running, it’s important to avoid overtraining. Running too many miles, too often, and too quickly is a recipe for overuse injuries. When running, increase the mileage, duration, and intensity of your runs slowly over time. It’s also important to wear the right shoes. Running shoes should fit properly, cushion and support the feet, and be replaced when they become worn out. Stretching and strengthening the legs and feet can help prevent injury as well. To learn more about how to avoid running injuries, please consult with a chiropodist. 

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 Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner 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 Scarborough, ON . 

Sesamoiditis is an injury of the sesamoid bones — two tiny, pea-shaped bones located in the ball of the foot, just under the big toe. When these bones and their surrounding tendons are damaged, displaced, or inflamed, you may experience foot pain, swelling, and warmth. The symptoms are usually made worse by walking or wearing thin-soled or high-heeled shoes. Sesamoiditis is a common injury in dancers and joggers, as well as those who have high arches or bunions, and those who wear high heels. Conservative treatments, such as footwear modifications, orthotics, and over-the-counter pain medications are usually sufficient for pain relief. If you are experiencing any foot pain, please seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Sesamoiditis can be painful and prevent you from participating in certain activities. To learn more about this condition, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Sesamoiditis? 

Sesamoiditis refers to an injury of the sesamoids (two small, pea-shaped bones located beneath the big toe joint) or the tendons and/or surrounding tissue in the joint.

Causes

Sesamoiditis is typically the result of an overuse injury caused by activities that put repetitive pressure on the sesamoid bones and the tendons involved with those bones. These activities can include basketball, football, running, ballet, and tennis. People who have high foot arches and those who frequently wear high-heeled shoes are also at an increased risk of developing sesamoiditis. 

Symptoms

Common symptoms of sesamoiditis include: 

• Dull, longstanding pain under the big toe joint
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Difficulty straightening or bending the big toe
• Pain during movement

Diagnosis

Sesamoiditis can be diagnosed by physical examination and X-rays. Sometimes other imaging studies, such as a bone scan, MRI, or ultrasound may be needed if damage to the area surrounding the sesamoid bones is suspected. 

Treatment

Treatment options include conservative measures, such as padding, strapping, taping or immobilizing the affected foot, taking oral medications or getting steroid injections to reduce pain and swelling, and wearing orthotic devices. Surgical treatment may be necessary if conservative measures are not effective. 

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

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, refers to an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. It is one of the most common foot injuries in children and adolescents between the ages of 8 and 14. It is especially common in children who are involved in sports activities such as soccer, running, or basketball. Symptoms of Sever’s disease include pain in the back or bottom of the heel, pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed, difficulty running, jumping, or walking, limping, walking on the toes to avoid putting pressure on the heels, and tiredness. There are various treatments for Sever’s disease including resting the foot by stopping or reducing participation in the activity that caused it, supporting the heel with shoe inserts or custom orthotics, and taking oral medications to reduce pain and inflammation. If your child complains of heel pain, it is highly recommended that you take them to see a chiropodist. 

Sever’s disease typically affects young children and teenagers. If your child complains of foot pain, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner 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 Scarborough, ON .