Don’t Let Foot Pain Sideline Your New Year’s Resolutions

It’s a new year, which means you’ve got 365 days to make better than the last. If you’re like many people and setting New Year’s resolutions, you’ve likely vowed to become more physically fit and may have even signed up at a local gym, started running more, joined a sports team or becoming more active in general.

With the increase in activity, you may have started to notice an accompanying increase in foot pain, which may be threatening your resolution for a better and healthier new year. If the foot pain seems to have correlated with your physical activity, here are the most common conditions that arise because of it:

Heel Pain

Heel pain is often a result of plantar fasciitis, which is when the ligament that connects from your heel to the ball of your foot becomes inflamed. Stretching, using orthotics and arch sports, including ensuring that you are wearing properly fitting shoes, can help alleviate your pain.

If heel pain persists, Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT), which is a non-invasive procedure that sends acoustic pressure waves is an option for treating heel pain before having to resort to surgery.

Pain in the Achilles Tendon

Going from zero to 100 in your activity level can bring on Achilles tendonitis, where the rear of your foot becomes painful and tender. The RICE therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) and stretching can typically help resolve the tendonitis.

Pinched Nerves     

Improperly fitted athletic shoes, especially ones that are too tight, could result in pinched nerves in the foot, otherwise known as a neuroma.

A tingling feeling in the third and fourth toes and pain in the ball of the foot are common symptoms of a pinched nerve.

Padding the shoe, orthotics, Cortisone shots and anti-inflammatory drugs are among the remedies that may be prescribed to alleviate pain.

It is advised that you ease into your new workout routine to help prevent any foot-related issues that may sideline your New Year goals. But should problems arise, contacting a podiatrist to assess your issue can help you get back on your feet faster and working on your goal again.

To schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at the Triad Foot Center, please call 336-375-6990 or click here to request an appointment.

Disclaimer: The information and other content provided in our blogs, videos, or in any other content or linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. For a full disclaimer, please click here.