Treadmills are an effective piece of equipment for cardiovascular exercise. Treadmills are effective because they are appropriate for any fitness level, the speed and incline can be adjusted with the touch of a button and many machines conveniently track your heart rate and calories burned. Unfortunately, walking and running can cause some people pain or injuries, but understanding the source or cause of pain is the first step to recovery. Talk to your physician about any pain you are experiencing.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is pain in the arch tendon of the foot, called the plantar fascia. According to SportsInjuryClinic.net, the tendon is a thick band of tissue that runs from under the heel to the front of the foot, and pain in the tendon can be caused by many factors, including overuse of the tendon, low arch or high arched feet and excessive walking in footwear that does not provide enough arch support. Treatment for plantar fasciitis may include resting your feet as much as possible, applying ice to help ease the pain and stretching the tendon to keep it from getting tight.
Heel Pain
Heel pain is often an issue for people who spend a lot of time on their feet or participate in a repetitive impact activity, such as walking or running on a treadmill. Heel pain is especially important to diagnose properly because it can be the source of several issues, such as a bruised or broken heel, plantar fasciitis or a calcaneal (heel) bursitis, according to SportsInjuryClinic.net. Treatment for heel pain will vary based on the source of the pain, and pain will likely continue or resume if it is not treated properly.
Blisters
Blisters are another common issue that can stem from walking or running on a treadmill and are caused by continuous rubbing or friction on the area. If you have a blister, MayoClinic.com recommends keeping it intact if it is not too painful to avoid infection and covering it with a band-aid or breathable gauze pad. Take preventative measures to avoid blisters by using socks or wearing a bandage or moleskin on the area that is being rubbed. Proper shoes that are the correct size, provide support and leave enough toe room will also help you avoid blisters.
Metatarsal Fracture
A metatarsal fracture is a break in one of the bones of the foot. The fracture can range from mild to severe and can be caused by direct impact. According to emedx.com, excellent balance, coordination and strength of the foot and ankle may help prevent some metatarsal fractures. In general, avoid foot injuries caused by walking or running by varying your workouts to avoid overuse injuries and giving your muscles and joints rest periods, particularly between vigorous exercise sessions. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any pain or persistent discomfort.
Member Comments