While running can improve your physical and mental health, poor technique and ill-fitting shoes can lead to injury or pain. Foot pain can become so bad that you may be unable to walk or perform daily tasks. Here’s what you should watch out for when it comes to foot-related injuries to prevent these painful problems. 

4 Common Causes of Foot Pain

1. Blisters 

Blisters are painful bubbles in the skin caused by friction. While they’re not a serious or life-threatening issue, they can become painful enough to keep you from exercising or walking due to the pain.

Prevent blisters by wearing shoes that aren’t too tight around the toes or ankles and socks that can wick away sweat to protect your feet from chafing. 

2. Bunions & Corns 

Bunions and corns are lumps on the toes and feet caused by pressure and friction on parts of the foot, specifically in the big toe joint when it comes to bunions.

These painful bumps can often be avoided by wearing shoes that fit properly. You should loosen the laces near the front of the shoe if they’re too tight towards the front or consider wearing a wider shoe. A foot doctor may be able to remove troublesome corns if they are a lasting issue. 

3. Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue in the foot that supports the bottom of the foot from heel to toe. When injured from poor form or overexertion, this band can become inflamed, causing foot pain.

If you are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, the best way to heal is to stay off your feet. You can also try pain medication and ice to reduce swelling. A soft insole may help reduce pressure on the bottom of your feet when walking, reducing the chance for repeated issues. 

4. Dark Toenails 

Dark toenails occur when the nails are squeezed, particularly if the shoes are tight around the toes or if your feet slide in your shoes when running. The discoloration is due to bruising, which often leads the loss of the nail. Fortunately, toenails lost this way tend to grow back.

Wearing well-fitted shoes that are tight around the ankles should reduce pressure and keep your feet from slipping, reducing your risk of this issue. 

If you have foot pain, the doctors at Westside Podiatry Group will help you find relief. They’ve brought compassionate care to their patients for over 50 years, and with convenient locations in Rochester, Greece, and Gates, NY, a podiatrist is never too far away. They treat bunions, heel spurs, and ingrown toenails with a variety of treatments, including MLS laser therapy. Call (585) 225-2290 for an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services.