When many people exercise, they experience a jabbing pain in their foot.
Oftentimes they chalk it up to being a strain or something that can be “worked out” while they exercise. While this is sometimes the case, there are certain times when you should stop exercising and start listening to your feet. In some conditions exercise can actually make the pain (and condition) worse.
Here are a few problems that can be made worse by exercise.
Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain can be a painful injury that affects the outside of the ankle. A sprain may require you to stop exercising and seek medical attention. Depending on the severity of the sprain, you may be required to take two or three months to help strengthen your ankle before you can return to your normal activities.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are a common injury in high impact sports. Twenty-five percent of adult fractures are in the metatarsal bones of the feet. The metatarsal bones can become fractured or bruised due to injury or repeated stress such as running for long periods of time. Pushing through the pain and continuing your exercise when you have a stress fracture can lead to a full on break. With rest, stress fractures usually heal within a few months.
Achilles Tendinitis
The Achilles tendon is one that receives a lot of ‘abuse’ over the years. This tendon plays an important part in allowing you to walk and run. Achilles tendinitis is when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, resulting in redness, swelling, and pain. If you keep exercising you can tear or even the rupture your tendon. When treated properly though, and with plenty of rest, Achilles tendonitis is usually short lived.
Bunions
A bunion is one of the most common causes of foot pain. However, you shouldn’t ignore the pain simply because it is ‘common.’ A bunion is often the result of improper footwear and if you continue to exercise without proper footwear –you can aggravate the condition, causing additional pain and blisters. Treating your bunions can be as simple as buying some bunion pads or arch supports –which can make it more comfortable for you to exercise as well as reduce the risk of additional damage.