Foot problems are common among runners. Sources of foot problems are numerous and include the pronation of your feet--how far they roll inward from heel strike to toe off while you’re running--the biomechanics of your running stride and the running shoes you have chosen. Your ability to recognize various foot problems can prevent you from more serious injury and get you back to race fitness sooner.
Morton's Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is an accumulation of tissue that affects a nerve in the forefoot. It is not completely understood what causes this benign growth to appear. Possible causes include running and other sporting activities where foot stress is continuous and running shoes with too narrow of a toe box.
Bunions and flat feet are other possible causes. Symptoms you may experience as a result of Morton’s neuroma include shooting pain or numbness between the third and fourth toes. Pain also might dissipate as soon as you remove your shoes.
Hallux Rigidus
Hallux rigidus is a form of osteoarthritis that affects the joint at the base of your big toe. This source of foot pain is caused by a wearing away of the cartilage that buffers the joint between the first metatarsal bone of your forefoot and the proximal phalanx bone of the big toe.
Running and other sports where excessive weight is placed on the toes can cause this injury to appear. Symptoms include pain only while running initially, decreased range of motion of the toe and swelling.
Calcaneal Bursa
Calcaneal bursa is a type of bursitis that affects the back of the heel. Bursitis occurs when small fluid filled sacs called bursae become inflamed and swell. Under normal circumstances, these bursae act as protection from friction in areas where tendons slide over bones--in this case where the Achilles' tendon attaches to the calcaneal, your heel.
If you increase your mileage or the intensity of your running workouts, you are at risk of this injury. Tight shoes are another common cause. Symptoms include pain with minimal pressure on the heel as well as swelling.
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