How to Prevent Ankle Pain While Running

Ankle pain while running can develop from several factors that place stress on the joints and surrounding tissues. Poor running form may cause uneven movement and strai. Running on uneven surfaces can increase the risk of twisting or overloading the ankle. Wearing unsuitable footwear may fail to provide proper support. Weak ankles can make it harder to maintain stability. Prevention focuses on strengthening the ankles through simple exercises, choosing supportive running shoes, and building conditioning gradually to avoid sudden stress. Risk factors include overuse, lack of strength, and improper technique. A podiatrist can assess your gait, recommend proper footwear, and create a plan to improve strength and alignment. If you have ankle or foot pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment remedies and guide you on running injury prevention.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM of Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lehi, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries

Salvation Army Collected Shoes For Children

A campaign launched by the Salvation Army earlier this season aimed to keep children’s feet warm and dry this winter. The campaign, Boots for Yoops, collected boots, shoes, and socks for various children in need. Leonita Schweigert, the campaign’s creator, shared, “I decided instead of duplicating services and doing Coats for Kids like everybody does, that there are so many kids without proper shoes. To determine who exactly is in need of winter shoes, Schweigert contacted local schools to obtain names and sizes of children in need. New shoes and boots are being requested as to avoid potential health issues, such as Athlete’s foot. The campaign finished its run at the end of February.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM of Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lehi, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy

Types and Grades of Ankle Sprains

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments, which are strong bands that connect bones, are stretched or torn after the ankle twists beyond its normal range. There are three main types of ankle sprains based on how the injury happens. The most common is an inversion sprain, where the foot rolls inward and stresses the outer ligaments. An eversion sprain occurs when the foot turns outward, affecting the inner ligaments. A high ankle sprain involves the ligaments above the ankle that connect the lower leg bones. Sprains are also graded by severity. A Grade 1 sprain involves mild stretching with slight pain and swelling. A Grade 2 sprain includes a partial tear, leading to more swelling, bruising, and limited movement. A Grade 3 sprain is a complete tear, often causing severe pain and instability. A podiatrist can assess the injury, order imaging, and guide proper treatment. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for help.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lehi, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Ankle Sprains

Ankle Fracture? Don’t Wait for Treatment

If you're suffering from an ankle fracture, professional attention shouldn't wait. Fractures may worsen over time and can make completing everyday activities incredibly difficult. See your specialist for treatment and guidance through the healing process. 

Ankle Fractures and the Importance of Early Care

An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint, often caused by twisting injuries, falls, or high-impact activities. These injuries are common in men below fifty, and may occur when the joint is exposed to forces up to five times one’s body weight. Risk factors include sports participation, wearing improper footwear, and poor balance. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Prompt evaluation is essential to ensure proper healing and to prevent long-term complications. A podiatrist can diagnose the injury, provide appropriate treatment, and guide recovery through supportive care and rehabilitation. If you have symptoms of a broken ankle, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

test

Read more about All About Broken Ankle

Connect With Us

scroll to top