Jogger’s Foot Symptoms and Treatment

Jogger’s foot, otherwise known as medial plantar neuropraxia, is a chronic entrapment syndrome of the medial plantar nerve in the foot.

The medial plantar nerve runs through the ankle and along the inside of the foot. Neuropraxia is compression or entrapment of a nerve. When the medial plantar nerve is compressed or entrapped it causes heel pain and this is known as medial plantar neuropraxia.

It is an unusual cause of heel pain and is typically found in those that engage in repetitive physical activity. These activities include marathons, ultramarathons, or simply frequent running. Other causes also include poor biomechanics and unsuitable footwear. Additionally, a runner with flat feet is more predisposed to this injury than someone with a more pronounced longitudinal arch of their foot.

The symptoms of Jogger’s foot will have a gradual onset and may include:

• Burning heel pain
• Aching and tenderness on the inside of the foot
• Altered sensation on the bottom of the foot behind the big toe
• Feeling of ‘giving-way’ when running

The diagnosis of plantar neuropraxia is made based on the signs and symptoms and a thorough history of the problem. A neurological assessment will be carried out, which tests the sensation in the feet. Once a diagnosis has been reached, a podiatrist will then discuss the treatment options available to you.

The treatment for Jogger’s foot may consist of:

• Rest
• Orthotics
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Medication specifically for nerve pain

At Delray Beach Podiatry, Dr. Ian S. Goldbaum, a podiatric physician and surgeon with over 30 years of experience, suggests that the easiest way to both treat and avoid running-related injuries such as Jogger’s foot is for runners to simply adjust their typical exercise routine.

“The biggest mistake that joggers make is that when they go for a run they tend to go in the same direction every time,” said Dr. Goldbaum, who has offices in both Delray Beach and Boynton Beach. “If they go to the right every time, they also need to go to the left. The reason for that is because roads have a slant to them, which means that one limb is longer than the other. If you do the same rotation all the time, your legs aren’t evened out. If you mix up your routine, it helps balance out the stress placed on your legs, feet and ankles.”

Dr. Goldbaum also recommends that his patients forgo hard surfaces such as concrete in favor of running on surfaces with better shock-absorbing properties, such as a track or a flat stretch of grass. However, if you do decide to run on concrete, there certain precautions that should taken in order to decrease your risk of injury.

“Concrete is non-forgiving,” said Dr. Goldbaum. “You have to make sure that you have an orthotic to give your feet a shock-forgiving property that you really need. I can guarantee you that just because a few people can run on these services with no problems, it doesn’t mean that the majority can.”

If you believe that you are suffering from Jogger’s foot, contact a podiatrist such as Dr. Goldbaum for help as they will be able to come up with a treatment plan specific to you.

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The content on this website is for informational purposes only. Do not rely or act upon information from www.DelrayBeachPodiatry.com without seeking professional medical advice. If you live in South Florida and would like a consultation with Dr. Ian Goldbaum, a podiatric physician and surgeon with over 30 years of experience, please see our contact information below:

BOCA/DELRAY

16244 S. Military Trail #290, Delray Beach, FL 33445

561-499-0033

BOYNTON BEACH

8198 Jog Road #100, Boynton Beach, FL 33472

561-499-0033