Naples, FL — Both long-distance runners and casual joggers can improve their performance by keeping their feet in top condition and taking steps to control foot problems common in runners, according to foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Kevin Lam.

“The human foot is a biological masterpiece that amazingly endures the stresses of daily activity,” says Dr. Kevin Lam, D.P.M., FACFAS, DABLES, DABPS, a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). “For runners, the feet are more vulnerable to injury than any other part of the body, and these athletes should be on the alert for signs of foot problems that can slow them down if not treated promptly.”

Dr. Lam says the most common complaint from runners is heel pain. This condition, also called plantar fasciitis, is frequently caused by inflammation of the ligament that holds up the arch.

“In athletes, heel pain can result from faulty mechanics and over pronation in which pressure is unequally applied to the inside of the foot. It also can be caused by wearing running shoes that are worn out or too soft,” he explains.

At the first sign of heel pain, Dr. Lam recommends runners do stretching exercises, wear sturdier shoes and use arch supports. In some cases, icing and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, are helpful. Should heel pain continue, custom orthotics, injections and physical therapy might be required. Surgery normally isn’t considered unless heel pain persists for more than a year and conservative treatment has failed to bring relief.

Neuromas and tendonitis are other common foot problems that affect runners. A neuroma is a pinched nerve between the toes that can cause pain, numbness and a burning sensation in the ball of the foot. Overly flexible shoes often are the cause and padding, orthotics or injections usually are effective. Sometimes surgery is the answer if pain between the toes continues for more than six months.

Serious runners can be sidelined with tendonitis if they ignore the warning signs of this overuse-related condition.

“There are several forms of tendonitis that affect the Achilles and other areas, and all are treated with rest, icing, stretching and anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes with orthotics and physical therapy.”

Dr. Lam says. “Over-zealous training usually causes tendonitis, especially among beginners who try to do too much too soon.”

A common myth among athletes, according to Dr. Lam, is that it’s not possible to walk or run if a bone in the foot is fractured.

“I often hear surprised patients say ‘It can’t be broken, I can walk on it,’” he says. “That’s dead wrong, especially with stress fractures when pain and swelling might not occur for a few days.”

If a fracture or sprain is suspected, Dr. Lam advises runners to remember the word RICE as an abbreviation for Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation.
“If pain and swelling continues after following the RICE procedure for three or four days, you should see a foot and ankle surgeon for an x-ray and proper diagnosis.”

Other common foot ailments runners should watch for are:

1. Athlete’s Foot: This fungal skin disorder causes dry, cracking skin between the toes, itching, inflammation and blisters. It can be prevented and controlled by washing the feet regularly and carefully drying between the toes; switching running shoes every other day to allow them to dry; wearing socks made with synthetic material instead of cotton; and applying over-the-counter ointments.
2. Toenail Problems: Ingrown nails can cause inflammation and possible infection and usually are treated by cutting the corner of the nail with sterile clippers. Black toenails happen when a blood blister forms under the nail from trauma, and it’s best to let the nail fall off by itself. Fungal toenails are yellow, brown or black and sometimes are irregularly shaped and thick. They are best treated with oral anti-fungal medications.
3. Foot Odor: There are more than 250,000 sweat glands in the foot and daily hygiene plus regular changing of shoes and socks are best for controlling sweat and odor. Runners should avoid wearing cotton socks and running without socks. Foot powders, aerosols antiperspirants and vinegar soaks also are helpful.
4. Blisters, corns and calluses: Never pop blisters unless they are larger than a quarter or are painful or swollen. Use a sterile instrument to lance the corner, leave the top as a biological dressing, wash, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover with a Band-Aid. Corns and calluses are caused by repeated friction, and should be treated by aseptically trimming the dead skin and eliminating the underlying cause.

Contact Dr. Kevin Lam’s office at (239) 430-3668 for more information on these conditions, or visit the ACFAS consumer Web site, FootHealthFacts.org.

Family Foot and Leg Center has multiple locations across Collier and Lee County to get you back on your feet.

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Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies. Home of the Lam Minimal Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care! Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling!