Beginners to running may benefit from starting off slowly and increasing your distance each run progressively, to allow their feet to adjust to running shoes more comfortably and avoid discomfort.
IF your shoes are causing you discomfort, blisters or anything else, make sure to check with the store and its return policy as soon as possible so you can find something better fitting.
Blisters
Blisters are an unfortunate part of running and can cause great discomfort. Most commonly caused by shoes rubbing against certain areas of your feet and damaging the upper layer of skin resulting in fluid-filled blisters which take an extended amount of time to heal, blisters can be extremely painful and take an enormous amount of energy and effort to treat.
Blister prevention products such as blister pads, bandages or lubricants may help lessen your chance of blisters while running. Furthermore, it is crucial that socks fit comfortably into place – any too tight fit may lead to sore feet later on!
If your shoes are starting to cause your feet discomfort, it is wise to stop running immediately and consider trying another pair. Visit a local running store for proper foot measurement so you can locate the most comfortable running shoes for you; insoles may also help.
Tightness
New shoes often fit differently than older pairs do and this can cause discomfort both front-of-foot and between toes due to compression of nerves between toes or pinching of balls of feet.
Mild to severe foot pain can often be the result of wearing shoes that are either too tight or lack sufficient arch support, leading to injuries such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. If left untreated this could eventually lead to more serious running-related ailments including shin splints, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.
At first glance, finding relief may seem straightforward: select shoes that suit the size and shape of your feet while using them for short runs with gradual increases in distance run and without placing too much stress or pressure on them can significantly lower risk of pain and injury. And whenever purchasing new pairs, choose stores with liberal return policies so you don’t incur unexpected charges later.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the primary sources of heel pain for runners. This condition occurs when running causes irritation to and stretching of the plantar fascia tendon that extends from your heel to toes along the arch of your foot. When this happens, inflammation sets in, leading to arch pain upon standing or sitting up again.
Running shoes that feature adequate arch support are an effective way to minimize this problem, while it is best to avoid walking around barefoot or wearing shoes without adequate arch support when not running as this may also contribute to plantar fasciitis.
If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, taking a break from running may help heal and recover your feet. Once the symptoms of plantar fasciitis have subsided, gradually resume your routine – just don’t push too fast as overdoing it could result in further injuries.
Heel spurs
Heel spurs are bony protrusions that form where your plantar fascia–a band of fibrous tissue across the bottom of your foot–connects with your heel bone. They’re typically caused by stress on ligaments, muscles, and bones within your feet that put extra strain on these structures.
Over time, tight ligaments and hard surfaces cause the body to respond by strengthening them with calcium deposits that may become painful over time. They’re more common among individuals who perform short bursts of intense exercise like running; they may also occur due to having flat or high arches, wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly, aging, wearing flip-flops frequently or frequently walking without proper support footwear such as running.
Selecting appropriate running shoes can help new runners avoid foot pain. Our podiatric teams at Go Feet in Mays Landing and Linwood, New Jersey offer expert guidance when making smart shoe selection decisions – visit one of their convenient locations today to request an appointment!
