Common Foot Injuries, how ALTRA can help!
June 12 2024
At ALTRA, we are committed to keeping you running, injury free and happy, but sadly problems occur. We believe many of them can be minimized with correct footwear with zero to low drop and a roomy toe-box. Exactly what ALTRA offers.
We recommend you check in for a footscan and then we will be able to recommend the most suitable footwear for your feet.
The ALTRA FIT STATION is always at one of our Retailers so check out where it is this week, HERE
Book an appointment or just drop in!
In this blog we explain some of the most common problems and how they can be addressed.
Our feet are the unsung heroes of daily life, carrying us from place to place without much thought or fanfare. But when foot injuries occur, they can become a significant source of pain and inconvenience. Understanding common foot injuries and how to treat them can help you get back on your feet more quickly. Here’s a look at some typical foot injuries and the best ways to treat them.
1. Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs
What is it? Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia and the most common foot injury. It is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. In extreme cases it can lead to the development of a Heel Spur, a bony growth the underside of the heel.
Symptoms: Sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning.
Pain that decreases with activity but may return after long periods of standing or after getting up from a seated position.
Treatment: Rest and Ice: Rest your foot and apply ice to reduce inflammation.
Stretching: Perform stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon.
Supportive Footwear: Wear shoes with good arch support and cushioning. In the ALTRA Range check out the Paradigm Family. We will make a suitable recommendation during the FOOTSCAN.
Orthotics: Use custom orthotics or over-the-counter insoles to provide extra support. Medical Treatments: In severe cases, physical therapy, steroid injections, or surgery may be recommended.
3. Metatarsalgia
What is It?: This is where the Metatarsal Heads get inflamed from excessive pressure.
What Causes It?: A restrictive toe box has the effect of concentrating the pressure on the met heads or what is commonly called the ball of the foot. High heels again put enormous pressure on the forefoot. Also as you age the fat pad under the met heads tends to thin out which can lead to the same problem. .
How We Can Help?: Again, the choice of a shoe that will not restrict your toes ability to spread and allow your toes to spread and have a good rocker geometry is very important. Check out the Olympus family or the Experience Flow family. We will also suggest an Orthotics with a special Met Pad that will provide a reduction in the pressure being applied to the met heads
4. Mortens Neuroma
What is it?: A pain and swelling often between the third and fourth metatarsal leading to pain, swelling, tingling and often numbness in the toes as a result of the nerve getting impinged between the met heads.
What Causes It?. The bones in the foot squeeze together and trap the nerve shown. This is a common issue for people involved in high impact sports such as sprinting, jumping. It can also be caused by wearing high heels which also exerts excessive force on the forefoot.
How We Can Help?: Like for metatarsalgia the choice of a shoe that will not restrict your toes ability to spread and allow your toes to spread is very important. In the ALTRA range check out the models with the ORIGINAL and STANDARD Footshape, During your FOOTSCAN we will make a suitable recommendation.
The same Orthotics with a special Met Pad will be useful to provide a reduction in the pressure being applied to the met heads.
5. Bunions
What is it?. A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe.
Symptoms: A bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe.
Swelling, redness, or soreness around the big toe joint.
Corns or calluses where the first and second toes overlap.
Persistent pain or restricted movement of the big toe.
Treatment: Proper Footwear: Wear shoes with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the bunion. In the ALTRA Range look for all the models with the ORIGINAL FOOTSHAPE.
Padding: Use bunion pads or cushions to protect the bunion.
Orthotics: Custom orthotics can help position the foot correctly and reduce pain. (we have a range of Orthotics available)
Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers can alleviate pain and inflammation.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery to realign the toe may be necessary.
6. Achilles Tendonitis
What is it? Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles to the heel bone.
Symptoms: Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon, especially in the morning. Pain that worsens with activity. Swelling or thickening of the tendon.
Treatment: Rest and Ice: Rest the affected leg and apply ice to reduce inflammation. Stretching and Strengthening: Exercises to stretch and strengthen the calf muscles.
Proper Footwear: Shoes with good heel support. Look at the EXPERIENCE Family with 4mm of drop and consider a suitable orthotic.
Orthotics: Heel lifts or orthotic devices to reduce strain on the tendon.
Medical Treatments: In persistent cases, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or surgery may be required.
Conclusion
Foot injuries are common but can often be treated effectively with a combination of rest, choosing the proper footwear, and targeted exercises.
However, if you experience persistent pain or severe symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan. Taking care of your feet is crucial for maintaining mobility and enjoying an active lifestyle. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to happy, healthy feet!