On Sunday, October 20, 2013, Ohio’s Largest Marathon took place. The marathon raised $200,000 for Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Over 100,000 spectators, 18,000 athletes, 3,000 volunteers, and 26 miracle mile patient champions from all over the world met in beautiful downtown Columbus for this huge event. The athletes of the full marathon ran a total of 26.2 miles, and those that ran the half marathon ran 13.1 miles. Participating in a marathon requires a lot of training and preparation.
Running injuries mostly occur in the lower extremity. Some of the most common injuries include Achilles tendonitis and stress fractures. Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which attaches to the back of the heel bone. A sudden increase in the amount or intensity of exercise can cause the tendon to become inflamed, degenerate, or even tear. Over time this can cause a bone spur on the back of the heel, and is often associated with tight calf muscles. Common symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon in the morning, thickening or enlargement of the tendon, as well as tenderness to the back of the leg and especially the back of the heel. Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone that develop due to overuse. Stress fractures often occur when doing too much activity too soon. In a more fit individual the muscles in the foot act as shock absorbers and prevent stress fractures. On the other hand, when a less fit individual starts to increase activity too soon, then the muscles are not yet strong enough to act as shock absorbers. Stress fractures occur most often in the second and third metatarsals of the foot, which are the long bones in the foot. Other common locations of stress fractures are in the heel bone, or calcaneus, as well as the navicular bone, which is on the inner part of the midfoot. Symptoms of a stress fracture include pain that develops gradually and is worse with activity, swelling on the top of the foot, and tenderness at the site of the fracture.
Running a marathon is an amazing accomplishment, and can be achieved without injury. The main ways to prevent injury are to remember not to do too much too soon, incorporate strength-training exercises, and make sure you are wearing appropriate shoe gear. If an injury does occur, contact your podiatrist.
Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more tips for healthier and happier feet or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.
Columbus Podiatry & Surgery has opened a new location in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.
