Healthy feet are crucial to successful running. They ensure proper form and movement, provide support and balance, propel the body forward, and bring you to a safe stop. Foot pain can keep a runner sidelined for days or weeks at a time. Below are a few suggestions podiatrists often give their patients for preventing foot pain.

How Runners Can Prevent Foot Pain

1. Invest in Reliable Shoes

Quality shoes aren't optional when running—or when preventing foot pain. Invest in a high-quality pair of shoes, and replace them every three- to five-hundred miles you run. Podiatrists recommend a shoe with a thumb-width of wiggle room between the big toe and the front of the shoe; a secure but not overly compressing fit in the mid-foot; and firm cushioning for the heel, with no slipping when you bring the foot down.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Try to stay at an ideal weight for your height. The more weight one carries, the more pressure rests on their feet, and the higher the likelihood of discomfort. Eat a healthy diet, maintain a consistent meal schedule, and keep snacking to a minimum. If foot pain keeps you from running, consider yoga or riding a stationary bike.

3. Use Custom Orthotics

Orthotics supply the foot with additional support structures. They are crucial if you have frequent foot pain or a history of injuries below the knee. A podiatrist can assess the size, shape, and condition of your feet and order orthotics to fit your needs. Use them not just in your running shoes, but in all your footwear.

Never ignore foot pain; see a podiatrist as soon as possible after an injury. St. Peters Foot & Ankle: Samuel T. Wood-DPM, offers podiatry services to patients throughout the St. Peters and Florissant, MO, region. From foot and ankle injuries to ingrown toenails and plantar warts, they treat a wide range of issues and are dedicated to getting you back on your feet and feeling better. Call (636) 720-0190 or visit their website to learn more about their services.