Jogging , Running and the Morton’s Toe
One of the most popular activities of our time is jogging and/or running. The problem with this activity is that even with normal feet, you will sooner or later tend to have feet, shin, leg, or knee problems. From my experience, if you run over thirty miles a week, there is a good chance that even with good feet, unless you are very lucky, you will have some problems. Hopefully if you are running thirty miles a week or more, you are smart enough to go see your local podiatrist and have a pair of orthotics made for you to PREVENT these problems from occurring. For any serious runner, orthotics are the key to having many years of pain-free running. I have treated world-class runners, triathletes and some who run in the Boston Marathon. Prevention is everything.
Now, let’s talk about those joggers/runners who don’t have a normal foot, or in fact have a Morton’s Toe. Our bodies were not designed to take the abuse that can be caused by a Morton’s Toe when you are a runner or jogger. If you think you may have some foot problem, don’t wait to start using the Toe Pad or Shoe Insert I write about in Why You Really Hurt: It All Starts In The Foot. By doing so, you may delay such problems as shin splints, Anterior Compartment Syndrome, Overuse Syndrome, Chondromalacia (Runner’s Knee) and other problems caused by the constant abuse and pounding on the body brought on by running.
Other Activities
Running is not the only activity that can aggravate a bad foot. Golfing, tennis, ballroom dancing, bowling, softball, and basketball are some of the many pastimes that bring patients into my office. If you are involved any of these activities, or similar activities that may potentially damage your feet, it is important that you see a podiatrist and become proactive regarding your feet. Until then, try the toe pad to see if it may help you. It is very easy to make and wear, so what have you got to lose? Try it!
