Runners often put significant stress on the feet, and poor mechanics or muscle imbalances can increase the risk of overuse injuries. Strengthening and stretching exercises can help reduce strain on foot structures, like the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and intrinsic foot muscles. Routines that focus on calf flexibility, toe control, and arch stability can enhance shock absorption and improve foot alignment during running. Having tight calves or weak foot muscles may contribute to problems like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. Similarly, imbalances in the lower leg may affect ankle stability and increase the risk of sprains. Exercises like calf raises, towel scrunches with the toes, and controlled ankle movements can strengthen foot and ankle structures. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, identify structural risks, and recommend exercises or orthotic devices as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. If you are a runner and experience foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis, treatment and effective running injury prevention tips.

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 Larry J. Kipp, DPM of Coastal Podiatry Center. 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 New Port Richey, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a painful type of arthritis that often begins in the big toe but can also affect other joints in the foot or ankle. It results from a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, which may lead to intense pain, swelling, and redness. A podiatrist can help manage gout in the feet by first confirming the diagnosis through a physical exam, and, when needed, testing fluid from the affected joint. During gout flare-ups, a podiatrist can provide targeted treatment to relieve inflammation and reduce discomfort in the affected foot or ankle. If gout becomes chronic, this type of doctor can monitor long-term joint changes and may recommend custom footwear or orthotics to reduce pressure on sensitive joints. In rare cases, surgery may be considered to remove hardened uric acid deposits, called tophi, or to repair joint damage caused by repeated attacks. If you have recurrent foot pain attributed to gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for help in managing this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Larry J. Kipp, DPM from Coastal Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in New Port Richey, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition caused by the thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve between the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. This thickening results from irritation, pressure, or injury, often linked to wearing tight or high-heeled shoes or from repetitive stress. Symptoms include sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, numbness, tingling, or a feeling of a pebble stuck under the foot. The affected area may be tender to touch, and discomfort typically worsens when walking or wearing tight footwear. A podiatrist diagnoses Morton's neuroma through a physical exam and may use imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI scans to confirm. Treatment options include changing footwear, custom orthotics, corticosteroid injections, or targeted exercises. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected or surrounding tissue. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton's neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Larry J. Kipp, DPM of Coastal Podiatry Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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