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The Most Common Foot Injuries That Afflict Runners, and How to Prevent Them

The Most Common Foot Injuries That Afflict Runners, and How to Prevent Them

Running is a fantastic way to stay active, but the repetitive impact can take a heavy toll on your feet. At Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates in Mission Viejo, CA, we help runners of all levels stay on the trail. Dr. Visoth Chan and our team specialize in foot pain treatment to keep you moving comfortably.

Many runners believe that injuries are just an unavoidable part of training. However, a 2022 systematic review in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living analyzed 23,047 runners. It found that foot and ankle issues make up about 24.4% of all running injuries. By understanding how these injuries happen, we can help you prevent them before they sideline you.

What are the most common running injuries? 

The most frequent issues we treat include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and stress fractures. These conditions usually stem from repetitive mechanical strain that overloads your tissues. At our Mission Viejo, CA office, we focus on identifying the root cause of your discomfort. 

If you experience persistent heel pain, our team offers advanced heel pain management to target the inflammation. We use state-of-the-art options like MLS laser therapy and radial shockwave therapy to stimulate healing. We also teach you how to safely manage your training load so you do not re-injure yourself.

How can you protect your feet while running?

You can protect your feet by strengthening your foot muscles and choosing the right footwear. A 2024 study in The American Journal of Sports Medicine evaluated recreational runners. Those who performed intrinsic foot-strengthening exercises had a 2.42-fold reduction in running injuries. We guide you through these simple exercises to build a stronger, more resilient arch.

Your choice of running shoes also plays a major role in injury prevention. A 2025 study in Sports Medicine - Open found that runners who felt their shoes had high cushioning experienced a lower risk of injury. Instead of buying stiff corrective shoes, we recommend choosing the pair that feels most comfortable to you.

For runners who need extra support, we design custom orthotics to correct biomechanical imbalances. These prescription inserts are molded specifically to your feet to distribute impact forces evenly. We combine these inserts with active recovery plans to keep your feet healthy.

Do not let foot pain stop you from reaching your running goals. Whether you are training for a marathon or enjoying casual jogs, we are here to support your journey. To get personalized care for your feet, schedule a visit with our team at Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates today.

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