Being an avid runner himself, Robert Steinberg, DPM has the experience and knowledge needed to treat your running injuries. Some of the most common running injuries we provide treatment for are explained in more detail below.

Pain at the back of the heel is associated with Achilles tendinitis, which is inflammation of the Achilles tendon as it runs behind the ankle and inserts on the back surface of the heel bone. It is common among people who run and walk a lot and whose feet are excessively pronated. A bone spur may also present.

Metartarsalgia: Forefoot strikers are most prone to pain under the ball of their foot. Pronated feet and narrow shoes are common contributors.

Morton’s Neuroma: This is occurs when a digital nerve gets pinched. It feels like a very hot spot. Very common in cyclists in narrow road shoes, but also occurs in runners with excessive pronation.

Heel pain is generally the result of faulty biomechanics (gait abnormalities) that place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it. The stress may also result from a bruise incurred while walking, running, or jumping on hard surfaces; wearing poorly constructed footwear and pronated feet. Heel spurs may also be causing increased stress on the attached soft tissue.

Both heel pain and heel spurs are frequently associated with plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the soft tissues that attaches to the bottom of the heel. It is common in runners whose feet excessively pronate. Excessive pronation—excessive inward motion or the arch and ankle—can create an abnormal amount of stretching of the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon.

There are 3 general foot types: Neutral, Supinated and Pronated. The pronated foot has an arch that is too flexible, leading to an unstable foot. This condition places excessive stress on the plantar fascia, and over time, leads to plantar fasciitis, i.e., heel pain.

It is important to have a thorough examination in order to come to the proper diagnosis. Activity history needs to be reviewed. Shoe wear needs to be examined. Caught early, many overuse injuries are resolve themselves quickly. Chronic injuries need patience to heel, which may also include cutting back on activity. The pearl here is don’t let injuries become chronic problems. Seek the expertise of a sports medicine doctor of podiatric medicine.