Running With Flat Feet: All You Should Know
It’s estimated that nearly 30 percent of people have flat feet. Sometimes it’s hereditary. Or abnormal development, fallen, or low arches can cause the ligaments in the foot’s underside to collapse. This causes the arch to sit flat against the ground. In many cases, flat feet can cause leg, foot, and back pain, especially among runners. If you enjoy running but also have flat feet, there are things you can do. To ensure that you remain at the top of your game, here are a few pieces of advice from your foot specialist in The Woodlands, TX.
Choose the Right Shoes
Shoes can make or a break a runner. If you have flat feet, this is especially true. There are a variety of different shoes to choose from to combat the side effects of fallen arches. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, a stability and motion control shoe may help. These shoes prevent your arch from sliding and causing pain. If you don’t experience pain while running, a traditional running shoe may be your best bet. Choosing the right shoe is kind of a guessing game. Be patient as you try out different options. It may take some time to find the right shoe to provide your foot with the support it needs.
Care for Your Body
Any undue stress or pressure put on your arches could cause your pain to increase. If you’re dealing with flat feet, take extra care to ensure that you’re eating right and exercising regularly. Being overweight could further damage your arches and result in further joint pain or injury. If your weight is causing problems with your feet, consider engaging in low-impact exercises for a while.
After Care
While wearing the right shoe and training properly will keep you safe and healthy throughout your run, it’s just as important to care for your arches afterwards, too. After running, place your feet in a warm bath with Epsom salt. Using heat is a natural therapeutic way to relieve arch pain. Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes before removing them and wrapping them in towels. Repeat as needed to help with any discomfort your arches may be feeling.
Meet with a Foot Specialist
No one understands feet better than orthopedic specialists. These doctors have dedicated their entire practice to better understanding disorders and injuries that plague feet. Whether due to pregnancy, aging, or injury, an expert is the best person to consult if you have flat feet. After a careful examination, your orthopedic specialist will craft a specialized treatment plan. Depending on the extent of your condition, this could include specific exercises, therapies, medication, or customized insoles.
Flat feet may be painful at times, but that doesn’t mean that they need to destroy your love for running. There are plenty of options to ensure that your feet remain comfortable throughout your run. If shoes and home treatments aren’t working, meet with the orthopedic specialists of foot and ankle in The Woodlands, TX. With their help, you can better understand the anatomy of your foot, and exactly what can be done to ensure that you remain pain free. Contact Ankle & Foot Specialists of Conroe, The Woodlands for more information!