Getting Help With My Feet

After struggling for months to run without having pain, I realized that there might be something wrong with my feet. It just seemed like whenever I did any type of physical activity, I was burdened with stifling pain. It was annoying, but I knew that a podiatrist might be able to help. Sure enough, after meeting with a doctor, I learned more about what was causing the trouble. It turned out that I had pulled a tendon in my foot, which was causing all kinds of problems. This blog is all about getting your foot problems fixed once and for all.

From Finding the Right Shoes to Knowing When to Visit the Podiatrist: Foot-Care Tips for New Runners

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According to Women's Running, in addition to providing you with a slimmer waistline, running can also reduce your risk of depression by 19 percent and of major heart attacks by 50 percent. If you're new to the world of running, you might assume that all you need to do is strap on a pair of expensive sneakers and hit the road. Unfortunately, if you don't do your homework, chances are that running will wreak havoc on your feet. Here are a few simple tips to keep your feet healthy while you enjoy your new hobby.

Choose the Right Pair of Running Sneakers

Before you pull out that pair of sneakers you've had in the back of your closet for years, it's important for you to note that not any old shoe will provide your feet with the support they need. Instead, you need to purchase a pair of running shoes that are ideal for your feet and budget.

Here are a few tips to help you choose the best pair of running shoes for you:

Examine your unique wear pattern – Check out your existing shoes and look for a pattern. Your running form and the arch of your feet will impact the pattern. The pattern will be even, which means it will show wear on the ball of the foot and the heel; show signs of overpronation, which means that the shoe will wear on the inner edge of the shoe; or show signs of underpronation, which means the show will show wear along the outside edge of the shoe.

Learn about the different types of shoes – Your wear pattern will impact which type of shoe is best for you. For example, neutral shoes are best if your older shoes feature an even wear pattern. For runners with overpronation marks, look for shoes with a rigid insole, which provides more stability and heel control. If underpronation is your issue, look for a shoe with less stability and more cushion.

Shopping for your ideal sneakers – Wait until the end of the day to shop for sneakers. Your feet tend to swell throughout the day, so shopping in the late-afternoon or evening can help ensure you don't purchase a pair that is too snug.

Perfect Your Form

Now that you have the ideal pair of shoes, it's time to ensure you are running correctly. Perfecting your form can help you run more efficiently, which in turn can help reduce stress and wear on your feet. While you're enjoying your next run, keep these tips in mind:

Pay attention to your cadence – Your running cadence is basically the number of times your feet hit the ground in a set amount of time. According to Competitor, you should aim for a cadence of around 180 steps each minute to be an elite runner. To determine your cadence, simply count how many times each of your feet hit the ground in a minute. It can take several weeks or even months before you hit this ideal cadence.

Striking the ground – To prevent injuring your knees and ankles, always run so your feet hit the ground first with your heel and then with the toe.

Keep your arms loose – While running, keep your hands slightly cupped, your arms bent, and your wrists loose. Your arms should sit just above your waist.

Know When It's Time to See a Podiatrist

Now that you have the ideal pair of shoes and have perfected your running form, it's time to hit the road. New runners will experience discomfort, aches, and pains as their bodies become used to the increased activity. However, if your aches and pains don't go away, or seem to get worse, it's time to visit your podiatrist.

If you are experiencing pain, swelling, and discomfort several hours after running, or if your feet or ankles begin to tingle or lose sensation while you're running, it's time to visit a podiatrist. Visiting your podiatrist early can help save you from years of chronic pain and swelling that might just force you to quit running all together.

Running is a great way to lose weight, improve your health, and reduce stress. Choosing the right pair of sneakers, perfecting your form, and knowing when to visit the podiatrist are a few ways you can get the most out of your new hobby!

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3 October 2016