Whether you’ve participated in your first marathon or are a veteran race participant, you know the toll long-distance running can take on your feet, ankles, and legs. So, after you’ve completed the competition, be sure to follow up by seeing a foot injury doctor to ensure all is OK, get any needed treatment, help prevent future injuries, and learn how to train more effectively. Here’s more.
You May Have a Serious Foot Injury and Not Know It
You already know that your sports medicine podiatrist is your go-to for foot injury diagnosis and treatment. Even simple blisters can cause big problems, such as ulcers and infections, when not timely evaluated and treated by an expert podiatrist.
While the tried-and-true RICE protocol – rest, ice, compression, and elevation – can take care of minor soreness and swelling after a marathon, for anything more serious, see your foot doctor right away. This may be the case if your symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and bruising do not resolve quickly with at-home care like RICE.
Stress fractures in the foot are common among runners. However, you may not be aware of the pain right away due to the adrenaline rush you experience during marathons or other long-distance competition.
What to Expect During a Podiatrist Visit After a Marathon
A trip to your foot injury doctor after a marathon should include:
- A visual and hands-on examination of your legs, ankles, and feet
- Diagnostic imaging to rule out any underlying issues
- The most appropriate and customized treatment for your condition, whether that is an ankle sprain, blisters, plantar fasciitis, toenail issues, Achilles tendonitis, and more
At The Podiatry Group of South Texas, our podiatrists have extensive experience in taping, casting, bracing, the fitting of customized orthotics, and performing a wide range of surgeries and procedures that can speed you to full recovery, post-marathon.
You Want to Maximize Your Health &Performance
Running a marathon involves more than toughing it out mile after mile. As an athlete–whether professional or amateur–you want to run the best race possible. That means ensuring your entire body recovers completely and will be ready for the next marathon or other running competition.
Your sports medicine podiatrist can help, with proven conditioning routines to improve muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance. Your podiatrist can show you ways to improve your balance and coordination and how to avoid the types of micro movements that can contribute to acute or repetitive-use injuries. In addition, the podiatrists at The Podiatry Group of South Texas understand sports nutrition and can suggest ways to improve what you eat and to stay hydrated during your training and performance in the next marathon.
Best of all, runners will appreciate that your foot injury doctor understands footwear. You’ll be able to learn which shoes are best for you, based on your age, gender, foot shape, gait, and other factors. We also offer custom-made shoe inserts that can improve your balance and protect your feet from undue stress as you run.
Your Foot Injury Doctor at The Podiatry Group of South Texas
To keep running and to have the healthiest feet possible, see your sports medicine podiatrist before and after your next marathon at one of our 14 locations in San Antonio, Boerne, Hondo, Floresville, Kenedy, Live Oak, or Uvalde, Texas. Choose the office nearest you and give us a call to arrange a personalized consultation with one of our podiatrists. Or simply request your appointment now. We’re eager to keep you running at your highest level.
