EXERCISE RELATED INJURIES

Injuries to the foot and ankles are not uncommon in patients who regularly exercise, especially runners. Dr. Friedman has specialized in treating exercise related injuries for nearly a decade. We’re proud to boast many avid runners as patients, who we’ve been able to successfully treat, getting them back in the race without delay or surgery.

If you have injured yourself during exercise or running, don’t think your running or exercising days are over! Many times we can treat these injuries with customized orthotics (shoe inserts used to correct abnormal or irregular walking pattern) and/or bracing. Below are some common exercise related injuries that we’ve succeeded in treating with minimal office visits.

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles Tendon is the largest tendon in the body, but it is also the most commonly injured or ruptured tendon. Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis include localized pain in the area, stiffness or swelling above the heel, and sluggishness of the leg. Achilles Tendonitis is particularly common in runners, but can be successfully treated with orthotics.

Tibialis Posterior Tendon Dysfunction

This affects the major tendon into the foot which is responsible for supporting the arch. When this tendon is injured or becomes damaged patients experience flattening of the feet. Posterior Tendon Dysfunction causes pain on the inside of the ankle, and the arch. Fortunately this responds well to orthotics and/or bracing.

Plantar Fasciitis

This condition is caused by an inflammation of the connective tissue that stretches from the heel, across the arch of the foot, to the toes. Plantar Fasciitis is also known as "heel spur syndrome," and affects regular exercisers and runners frequently. Custom orthotics can correct this condition without requiring surgery.

Shin splints

Shin Splints are caused by muscle or tendon inflammation. They are a common ailment in runners, which result in pain on either side of the leg bone. Shin Splints can be a result of a collapsing arch, or related to a muscle imbalance. In rare instances this can require long term treatment, but can usually be corrected by custom orthotics.

For more information on common exercise related foot and ankle injuries please visit our patient education page.