Plantar Fasciitis (PF)
What Is It?
Characterized by heel pain (especially first thing in the morning) and pain in the arch of the foot, PF is an over-stretching and sometimes tearing of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom surface of the foot, and prolonged cases of PF can cause or contribute to Heel Spurs (see below).
What Causes It
- Excess pronation
- Fallen, flat, or unusually high arches
- Wearing shoes that lack adequate support
- Prolonged tension and stress of the plantar fascia
- Lack of flexibility in hamstrings and calves
- Walking and/or standing on flat, hard surfaces such has concrete, hardwood floor, tile, ect.
What On the Run Recommends
On the Run orthopedic inserts. On the Run stocks a full selection of high-quality orthopedic inserts in a variety of different types and materials.
Heel Spur
What Is It?
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form on the bottom of the heel bone.
What Causes It
- Prolonged cases of plantar fasciitis
- Poorly fitted or unsupportive shoes
- Running or jogging on especially hard surfaces
What On the Run Recommends
On the Run orthopedic inserts. We carry inserts specifically made for heel spurs.
ACHILLES TENDONITIS
What Is It?
Characterized by shooting, burning or extreme piercing pain on the back of the heel, Achilles tendonitis is the over-stretching or straining of the Achilles tendon.
What Causes It
- Excessive load on the tendon as a result of over-pronation
- Lack of flexibility in the hamstrings and calves
- Lack of adequate stretching prior to exercise
- Poorly fitted or unsupportive shoes
What On the Run Recommends
On the Run orthopedic inserts and heel lifts. Compression socks and/or sleeves are also recommended to provide optimum support and relief to the affected area.
Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
What Is It?
A bunion is a deformation, and usually inflammation, of the big toe joint. Bunions reduce the range of motion of the big toe joint.
What Causes It
Bunion formation can be caused by excessive pronation and is usually accelerated by improperly fit footwear. Excessive pronation puts added pressure on the big toe joint and can cause irritation and deformation of the joint.
What On the Run Recommends
On the Run orthopedic inserts. A proper orthopedic insert can help to invert the foot and take pressure of the big toe joint.
Shin Splints
What Is It?
Pain and discomfort along the front or side of the shin.
What Causes It
- Running and exercising on hard, unforgiving surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.).
- Excessive pronation
- Increase in training load
What On the Run Recommends
On the Run orthopedic inserts and supportive, structured shoes to reduce strain on the lower leg. Improving flexibility and strength of the lower leg muscles can help.