Human beings often neglect or know little about their feet, which constitute the body's foundation and valuable mobility tools. These extremities also represent a solid connection to the atmosphere because they help balance your body and keep you grounded. To prevent injuries and stay healthy overall, pay close attention to the bottoms of your feet while running.
Foot Anatomy
A foot consists of the ankle, the toe and the middle region called the metatarsus. It has 26 bones and 33 joints as well as more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. Both human feet contain 52 bones, a quarter of all the bones in the human body -- which suggests that feet are extremely important components of the body. A foot contains two kinds of muscles: intrinsic muscles -- short muscles that run between the foot bones -- and extrinsic muscles -- leg muscles that extend into the feet and control movements of the feet.
Foot Problems
Common foot problems may include flat feet, bone fracture and lack of muscle tone in the feet. While running, the bottom of a foot might burn because of a fracture in the sesamoid bones -- a pair of tiny bones located in several places in the foot and embedded in tendons and ligaments. The sesamoid bones protect the tendons and ligaments against physical imbalances, such as overloads. They vary in size and shape, but are usually about the size of a jelly bean. A fracture of the sesamoid bones could occur following a repeated, monotonous activity -- such as running. Some people are prone to sesamoiditis, an inflammation of the sesamoid bones owing to the abnormalities inherent in these bones, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports. In addition, an individual with high arches places a greater strain on the forefoot, and a runner who excessively rolls feet inwards when running is more likely to develop sesamoiditis.
Uncomfortable Footwear
Shoes help protect your feet and prevent injury, so make sure they fit well. Shoes that are too narrow, too short or too wide can cause discomfort, injury and even a permanent deformity of the foot. Shoes that don't fit properly are the source of many foot-related problems.
Alleviating Foot-Bottom Burning
Consult your physician for evaluation of your burning foot. Comfortable shoes with a fixed sole can relieve pressure on feet, similar to regular stretching. Roll the entire sole of a painful foot on a tennis ball; this exercise helps warm up the foot as well as facilitate blood circulation. Most common foot problems are preventable and reversible if you pay close attention and constantly take care of your feet.
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