Common Foot and Ankle Problems Runners Shouldn’t Ignore

Whether you're a daily runner or head out once or twice a week, running is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health.

But it also puts significant stress on your feet, ankles, and lower legs.

In fact, at least half of all runners experience an injury each year.

At Neuhaus Foot & Ankle, we regularly treat runners in Smyrna and across Middle Tennessee who are dealing with foot and ankle pain caused by overuse, improper footwear, or training mistakes.

Below are some of the most common running injuries we see and what to watch for.

Shin Splints

One of the most common overuse injuries in runners is shin splints, affecting up to 20% of runners.

This condition causes pain along the inner edge of your shinbone, where muscles and tendons attach to the bone.

With repetitive stress, these tissues become irritated and inflamed, leading to:

• Sharp or burning pain during activity
• Dull, aching discomfort after running
• Tenderness along the shin

Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries and runners are especially at risk.

Uneven terrain, fatigue, or improper footing can cause your ankle to roll, stretching or tearing ligaments.

Symptoms may include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Instability when walking or running

Even minor sprains should be evaluated to prevent long-term instability.

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone caused by repetitive impact and overuse.

They most often occur in:

• The tibia (shin bone)
• The metatarsals (bones in your foot)

The most common symptom is pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest, but if ignored, it can progress into a more serious fracture.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the leading causes of heel pain in runners.

It occurs when the plantar fascia, the tissue that supports your arch, becomes inflamed or strained.

Runners often notice:

• Sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning
• Pain after long runs or standing
• Tightness in the arch

Changes in running routine, mileage, or surface are common triggers.

Don’t Ignore Running Pain

One of the biggest mistakes runners make is trying to “push through” pain.

Many of these conditions worsen over time and become harder to treat if ignored.

It’s also important to get the right diagnosis.

For example, shin splints and stress fractures can feel very similar, but require very different treatment approaches.

Get Back to Running Safely

If you're experiencing pain in your feet, ankles, or lower legs, early treatment can help you recover faster and prevent long-term damage.

At Neuhaus Foot & Ankle, we help runners in Nashville and throughout Middle Tennessee get accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans so they can return to running safely.

Schedule an appointment today and let’s get you back on your feet, pain-free.