Foot complaint might be down to trainers from back of the cupboard

THERE are very few downsides to exercise.

An injury, though, is always a risk – as one of my patients discovered.

She had decided to take up running a few weeks ago having previously done very little.

After pulling on an old pair of trainers from the back of the cupboard, she’d pounded the streets a few times. It turns out she’d pounded a little too hard and too quickly.

A pain had appeared at the bottom of her foot, just in front of the heel. It was at its worst in the morning when she got out of bed, and it was bad enough to give her a limp.

It would gradually ease as she moved, and disappear as she rested. She was just about able to continue running, but the pain continued.

It looked like plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel to the middle foot bones.

That tissue, the plantar fascia, can get annoyed with repeated small injuries which, in this lady’s case, were caused by her new jogging career.

This condition doesn’t just affect new joggers, though. Those who are overweight or have a tight Achilles are at risk and it’s common in athletes.

Those wearing the wrong footwear can develop it too, sandal-wearers in particular.

My patient’s old trainers might well have aggravated her foot, so I explained how good footwear can work wonders.

Ask the shop assistant for shoes that have good cushioning at the heel and arch support.

Those with plantar fasciitis can use shoe inserts. It may be tender at the injured spot in which case I recommend digging a wee divot into the support.

Rest is important, and exercises to stretch the region will help, too.

There are also steroid injections to the area, and surgery for cases which won’t clear up.