Whether you’re a casual runner or a professional athlete, your feet can sustain blisters, swelling, and injuries after a long run. A podiatrist can provide various treatments to help you recover. Here are five ways a foot doctor can treat your feet after a long run:
Wound Care
If you have sores or blisters, a podiatrist can provide reliable wound care. A professional cleans the wounds using a sterile saline solution or a mild antiseptic solution. They will then apply bandages or a dressing to prevent infections.
A foot doctor can also prescribe oral or topical medications to foster healing and control infections. The prescribed antibiotics can depend on the type and severity of the infection. Follow-up appointments are helpful for monitoring the wound’s progress and promoting proper healing.
Cold Therapy
A podiatrist can use cold therapy to manage pain in overworked or inflamed feet after a long run. This technique entails placing ice or a cold pack on your feet, ankles, and legs to reduce post-run discomforts like swelling and inflammation. Cold therapy works by constricting blood vessels and numbing nerve endings to lessen foot pain.
Your cold therapy or cryotherapy sessions can last for a specific duration, depending on your tolerance and foot injury. A professional will wrap the ice pack on a cloth to prevent direct contact with your skin. Visit a podiatrist immediately after a long run if you are experiencing pain or discomfort to start treatment before the symptoms worsen.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics can be beneficial after a long run to manage foot discomfort and provide stability and support to your feet. Foot orthotics help promote alignment and reduce inflammation for efficient recovery. A foot specialist can check your feet to determine your pain level and other underlying issues. Changes in foot structure or alignment, such as a visible shift in arch height or the appearance of flat feet, could point to biomechanical issues.
Through imaging techniques, an expert can understand your feet issues before prescribing the right type of custom orthotics. Functional orthotics help relieve pressure and pain in your feet, legs, lower back, and thighs. You can also get accommodative orthotics that offer cushioning and shock absorption after a long run.
Foot and Ankle Exercises
A podiatrist can prescribe foot and ankle exercises to help improve flexibility, strength, and stability. Dynamic and static stretching methods target muscles used during running to reduce soreness and prevent stiffness afterward. Resistance band exercises can focus on your knees, legs, and feet to control pain after running.
This form of physical therapy can prevent muscle tension, which is responsible for soreness after a long run. Toe curls, toe raises, single-leg balance, and calf raises are examples of exercises your foot doctor may recommend.
Foot Massage
Massaging overworked feet may help enhance blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and boost relaxation. An experienced podiatrist can use various techniques like foot rollers and electronic massagers to reduce foot discomfort. A manual massage can also be helpful in reducing muscle strain and swelling.
If the area feels painful or sensitive during your session, a podiatrist can adjust the massage technique to suit your needs. Kneading and squeezing movements can reduce pressure and soreness in your foot muscles. A podiatrist can also utilize acupressure for better blood flow to your feet to foster healing. Regular massages can help you maintain muscle and tissue health, preventing foot injuries during physical activities like running.
Seek Help from a Foot Doctor Today
If you experience numbness, tingling, persistent pain, and calluses after a long run, visit a foot doctor for help. A podiatrist can assess your feet and look for any issues before recommending tailored treatment. They can evaluate your gait and foot mechanics to identify any potential problems. Book a consultation for an examination and proper foot treatment.
