Running can lead to several common foot injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, Achilles tendinopathy, and shin splints. These conditions often result from overuse, poor running form, wearing  shoes that lack adequate support, or a sudden increase in training intensity. Risk factors include flat feet, high arches, tight muscles, and inadequate warm-up routines. Prevention involves wearing proper footwear, stretching regularly, and gradually increasing activity levels. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, diagnose injuries, and provide custom orthotics, and guidance on safe training habits. If you are experiencing foot pain related to running, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle injuries, and guide you on effective running injury prevention tips.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM of Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, especially those who are active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes irritated from repetitive impact or tight calf muscles. Children may complain of pain during or after activity, and the heel may feel tender when pressed. Rest is important to allow healing, and switching to low-impact activities can reduce stress on the heel. Wearing supportive shoes with cushioning, heel lifts, or custom inserts may also help ease discomfort. Stretching exercises for the calves and Achilles tendon can improve flexibility and reduce tension. Most children improve with time and simple care, but the condition can return if stress on the heel continues. If heel pain persists or affects your child’s ability to stay active, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Afshin Javaherian, DPM from Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, commonly affecting the big toe. It occurs when the body produces too much uric acid or fails to eliminate it efficiently. Risk factors include diet, obesity, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Symptoms usually begin suddenly with intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint. The area may be extremely tender, making walking or wearing shoes difficult during flare-ups. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through a physical exam, patient history, and tests such as joint fluid analysis or blood tests to measure uric acid levels. Treatment involves managing pain and inflammation with medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes dietary adjustments to prevent future attacks. If you have this painful condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM from Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.