Many runners enjoy exercising on a treadmill when going outdoors may not be practical. It’s an easy way to measure the speed and distance of your running. A treadmill offers many advantages for an indoor workout, but can also cause foot injuries for an avid runner. Pain in the bottom of the foot can occur after using a treadmill, which can indicate a few different injuries. Understanding each of these injuries can help you decide on a course of treatment to avoid long-term difficulties.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue across the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed from excessive running or walking. This tissue, called the plantar fascia, connects your toes to your heel bone. The pain associated with plantar fasciitis feels like a sharp stabbing into the bottom of your heel. The pain can begin gradually but, according to MayoClinic.com. it is usually worse when you first wake in the morning. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids are often prescribed, as well as physical therapy. Arch supports or splints can also help alleviate symptoms. Surgery may be required for severe cases.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a painful injury to the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. Tissue around a nerve leading to the toes can become thickened, causing pain that feels like you’re walking with a pebble in your shoe. Morton’s neuroma occurs when prolonged pressure causes irritation to a nerve. Arch supports, pad inserts for the shoes, or switching to a more supportive pair of shoes can help with symptoms. Steroid injections or surgery may be necessary for long-term pain.
Flatfeet
Flatfeet is the condition where the arch of the foot has fallen. This causes the whole foot to rest flat on the floor when walking or running. This injury can be caused by wear and tear on the foot from excessive walking or running on a treadmill. Although a flat foot doesn’t cause pain for everyone, it can create problems for people who walk or run frequently. Pain can develop on the bottom of the foot, in the tendon that runs along the arch. Shoe inserts can help with pain by supporting the fallen arch while you walk or run. Stretching exercises can also help this condition.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia causes pain in the ball of the foot just behind your toes. The pain can feel like sharp, shooting pain, or an aching and burning sensation. Numbness or tingling can occur in the toes as well. Pain can become worse when walking without shoes. MayoClinic.com reports that Metatarsalgia can occur for many reasons, including intensive running. Resting the foot, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and applying ice can help alleviate pain. Arch supports and padded shoe inserts are also beneficial for pain relief. Surgery can be performed in rare cases when other treatment options have failed.
