Common Running Injuries
Plantar fasciitis (arch pain) — Arch pain is often caused by frequent stress on the plantar aspect, or bottom of the foot. When the plantar fascia, a supportive, fibrous band of tissue running from the heel to the ball of the foot, becomes injured, pain on the bottom of the foot results. Forefoot and rearfoot instability, with excessive pronation, may result in plantar fasciitis. Overtraining may contribute. Shoes with good midfoot stability may help prevent plantar fasciitis. If pain persists visit your sports podiatrist.
Heel spurs — Heel spur syndrome, related to plantar fasciitis, occurs after calcium deposits build up on the underside of the heel bone. Heel spurs form gradually over many months. Both plantar fasciitis and heel spurs can be avoided by a proper warm-up that includes stretching the band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. The soft tissue injury is usually the cause of the pain and not the spur itself.
Sesamoiditis — Sometimes referred to as the ball bearings of the foot, the sesamoids are a set of accessory bones found beneath the large first metatarsal bone. Incredible forces are exerted on the sesamoid bones during aerobics, and inflammation and fractures can occur. Proper shoe selection and custom orthotic devices can be useful in treating sesamoiditis.
Shin splints — Aside from ankle sprains, shin splints are perhaps the most common injury to the lower body, as the muscles attached to the shin bone bring the foot up and down. The pain is usually an inflammation of the shin muscle and tendon due to stress factors. Treat shin pain with cold compresses immediately after the workout to reduce inflammation. Proper stretching before the workout should prevent the onset of shin splints. Strengthening of muscles also helps reduce shin splints.
Achilles tendon and calf pain — The frequent rising on the toes of an aerobics routine often creates pain and tightness in the large muscles in the back of the legs, which can create pain and tightness in the calf and inflammation of the achilles tendon. Again, stretching the calf muscles gently and gradually before and after the workout will ordinarily help alleviate the pain and stiffness.
Stress fractures — Stress fractures often occur from over training. Make sure you gradually increase your running distance and intensity and have an adequate dietary intake of calcium.
Source: American Podiatric Medical Association
Products That Can Help
Foot Zen
“The former Doctor Specified line now Foot Zen, has been specially developed for the discerning consumer or those amongst us with foot or general health issues. The line includes Diabetic and Medical Grade categories, which feature socks that are specific in need and technically advanced. By incorporating features such as hand-linked seamless toes, extra-deep heel wells, and our proprietary Med Dry®moisture management system, we have produced a product line unique to the U.S. market.”
The Strassburg Sock
“People who suffer with heel pain don’t want to get out of bed in the morning. Why? 
Because those first few steps feel like you have a sharp nail in your heel. This easy to use, inexpensive device is designed to keep tension on the tissue (plantar fascia) so it heals in a stretched position at night. In this way many users find a reduction of their morning pain, some have noticed a reduced recovery time and yet others have reduced the need for medications.”
Superfeet
“Feet are supported and stabilized, reducing stress on feet, ankles and knees. Stride becomes more efficient, reducing fatigue and risk of injury. Can help prevent and treat plantar fasciitis, heel pain and runner’s knee.”
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