Heel Pain? What to Do If You're Training for the Big Race
Posted on: 26 July 2018
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If you've been training hard for an upcoming marathon race, you may think that you have overdone it as you've been experiencing some significant pain from the area around your heel. This is not good news under normal circumstances, and you certainly need to clear this up before you can consider taking part in such a strenuous event. On the top of your agenda should be a visit to an expert, although it can be quite an effort to even walk to the surgery. What could be causing your heel pain?
Achilles Damage
When you lift your heel as you run, the Achilles tendon comes under a lot of pressure. As you've been running a great deal, it's possible that tendonitis has developed in this area and it can become inflamed. You may need to consider taking anti-inflammatories, or you may also benefit from a visit to a massage therapist. In any case, you should avoid stretching the tendon as much as possible until the symptoms wear off a little.
Stress Fracture
Alternatively, you may have placed a little too much pressure on the bone that runs along the side of the heel. This is known as the calcaneus and when you apply repetitive stress to this area, it can fracture. Normally, the expert will advise that you rest until the bone heals, but they may be able to immobilise it in the short term, to see if it repairs itself and so you can get back to the exercise regimen.
Compressed Nerves
You may also have pinched the lateral plantar nerve, which runs along the middle of the heel. If so, you may notice a tingling sensation or increased tenderness when you raise up on to your toes as you run. This may get better if you stretch it carefully.
Plantar Issues
Finally, you may have aggravated the area of tissue that connects the toes to the heel. This is easy to do when running over a long distance and it can become swollen and weak. Once again, you may benefit from anti-inflammatory drugs, could alleviate the symptoms by stretching, or may find it helpful to wear special orthoses instead.
Towards Recovery
Make sure that you explain all your symptoms to the podiatrist when you first visit, so they can start to narrow down the issue and prescribe some treatment. Hopefully, you will be able to get back to normal as soon as possible, so that you can beat your personal best and move onto the next big event.