this paper will focus on common foot injuries.
There are several foot injuries that runners or walkers may suffer and most of these injuries may result from overuse.
Other problems of the foot maybe related to chronic injuries that develop over a period of time. According to Mike Walden,
a former teacher of sports injuries, sports massage, and sports science, “the average runner has between 37-56% risks of injury during the course of a year’s training.” (Walden 2005) Specific injuries discussed will include common foot injuries such as plantar fasciitis, metatarsal stress fractures, metatarsalgia, blisters, turf toe, and Morton’s neuroma.
the origin of the arch ligament.
Pain related to Plantar Fasciitis (Figure1) involves the inferior heel at the origin of the arch ligament.
When placing weight on the foot pain symptoms appear. Pain is most common at the attachment of the heel bone.
Tenderness and swelling under the heel may be associated with the injury. (Prentice 2005) According to Rachelle Buchbinder, plantar fasciitis is not only the most common cause of pain in the inferior heel, but is responsible for
approximately ten percent of all running injuries. In addition, plantar fasciitis accounts for 11 to 15 percent of all
adult foot symptoms requiring the care of a professional. (Buchbinder 2004) This injury is near the origin of the
plantar fascia at the medial tuberosity of the calcaneus. Plantar fascia (plantar aponeurosis) is a broad flat band of
dense connective tissue that runs the entire length of the sole of the foot. The non-elastic band of tissue connects
proximally to the medial surface of the calcaneus. The main function of this tissue is to provide support for the foot
and protect the longitudinal arch. Plantar fasciitis develops as a result of tension that occurs in the plantar fascia
during extension of the toes and depression of the longitudinal arch during weight bearing activities. The
development of plantar fasciitis is baffling. There may be several factors that play a role in the development of the
condition. Some of these factors include obesity, excessive pronation of the foot, heel spurs, prolonged periods of
standing, reduced ankle dorsiflexion, and high arches. The individual may experience the most pain in the morning
or with increased physical activity over a period of time. The pain may subside as the foot warms up, but may