Two reasons why you should visit a podiatrist if you injure yourself whilst running

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If you have recently developed a running injury, it may be worth seeking treatment from a podiatrist. Read on to find out why.

They can speed up the healing process

If you love to run and are frustrated by the fact that your injury is interfering with your ability to stick to your usual running schedule, it would be wise to visit your local podiatrist.

The reason for this is as follows: the treatments that a podiatrist can provide could help to speed up the rate at which your injury heals, and thus enable you to get back to your normal running routine much faster than if you simply rested at home and waited for the injury to heal of its own accord.

For example, if you suffer from shin splints (i.e. inflammation of the tibia bone), your podiatrist will probably take a two-pronged approach to treating this condition.

Firstly, they will take steps to minimise the amount of inflammation in the shin area; they can do this by applying ice or by injecting a corticosteroid into the affected leg. These treatments will increase the speed with which the painful inflammation abates.

Secondly, they may then use plaster to make a cast of your feet, so that they can create customised orthotic insoles. These insoles will help to position your feet in such a way that no unnecessary pressure is placed on your inflamed shins when you walk or stand for extended periods of time. This, in turn, will ensure that the healing process is not delayed by your daily activities.

They can prevent the same injury from recurring in the future

If you don't want to endure the inconvenience, pain and frustration of being injured again in the future, you should seek the assistance of a podiatrist.

The reason for this is that your podiatrist will be able to identify and resolve the root cause of your injury. In doing this, they can help you to avoid experiencing the same problem again in the future.

In the case of shin splints, for example, your podiatrist may examine the natural position of your feet.

If they find that you have an issue with overpronation (that is, if your feet roll too far inwards, to the point where your arches are flattened and excess strain is then placed on the calf's connective tissues and tibia bones) and they suspect that this is one of the main reasons why you developed shin splints, they may recommend that you replace your existing running shoes with ones that are designed specifically for those whose feet overpronate.

These kinds of shoes push inward-rolling feet back into their correct positions and thus help to prevent the calf tissues and tibia bones from being overstrained and becoming inflamed.

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11 February 2018

Podiatry for children

My son has always been an eager athletics competitor. He loves to run and jump, and especially loves to be the winner. He has been getting a lot of foot pain recently, and I wasn't sure if it was due to growing pains or if he'd been exercising too much. Luckily we found a great pediatric podiatrist who has been able to help him treat the pain and get some new foot inserts and shoes so that he doesn't keep having issues. This blog is all about podiatry for children and should be great for other parents with active kids.