Latest news with #PittsburghMarathon
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
If You Notice This Sensation When Walking, Your Shoes Are Probably The Wrong Size
If there were a way to avoid foot pain during runs, walks, hikes or a long day on your feet, you'd probably want to know it, right? It's supremely frustrating to go out for a run or walk just to notice tightness or soreness in your feet. And while there are any number of reasons why you may feel pain when you're on your feet, one common, yet avoidable, culprit is too-small shoes. Even if you're in a pair of sneakers that are your regular size, they may not actually be the right size for your runs or walks. 'It's very true that running and prolonged time on your feet, whether that's walking or standing or running, can cause swelling in your feet,' said Dr. Jeffrey Fleming, a sports medicine physician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the associate medical director of the Pittsburgh Marathon. 'It's very normal. It happens to lots of people, regardless of their age or activity level,' Fleming added. Gravity pulls fluid to your lower extremities, which contributes to the swelling in your feet, he explained. How much someone's foot swells varies from person to person. You'll know best how much (and if) your feet swell when you're on your feet for a long time. If you commonly deal with swollen feet, you'll want to keep a few things in mind when buying sneakers. Here's what to know: 'If you're somebody that is more prone to swelling, you could consider getting a slightly larger shoe. We usually recommend getting a half-size larger to begin and going from there,' Fleming said. You could also try a shoe in a larger width, said Liz Pagonis, the chief marketing officer of Philadelphia Runner, a running store. Pagonis said in her experience, many folks do need to size up. 'You want to have about a half to full finger [of space] if you're resting your thumb horizontally in front of your toes, just a little bit of a buffer between your feet and shoe, so you're not rubbing,' Pagonis said. If you notice tightness when trying on a sneaker, that is a sign in itself that you should size up, she noted. If you can't buy a new pair of sneakers right now, you can just lace up your sneakers a little looser than usual, Fleming added. 'But if you're somebody that doesn't get a ton of swelling, and you haven't noticed this before, I think it's very OK to just get your normal, true-to-fit shoe size, and you can always change if you do develop swelling in the future,' Fleming noted. Foot swelling can happen whether you're running, walking or just on your feet all day at work, Pagonis said, but it's especially common when it's hot and humid. 'I'm sure people have seen their hands swell [when it's hot], so [foot swelling] kind of happens faster in the summer,' Pagonis said. You're also more likely to have swollen feet if you're on your feet for really long periods of time, like long days at work, lengthy hikes or while running marathons or half marathons, she noted. Those who deal with foot swelling probably know it, but if you're unsure, try to pay attention to how your feet feel in your shoes. If you notice tightness after a long walk or run, that's a sign that you're prone to swelling, said Fleming. 'The other thing is sometimes you can visibly tell that your feet are a little bit more swollen, especially around the ankles, like right where the foot and ankle meet, kind of the top border of the foot is a common place to get post-running swelling,' Fleming said. You can often see the swelling there or feel that it's more swollen than normal, he noted. After a run or walk, you can also take your shoe off and 'press with two of your fingers on the inside bone of your ankle, where you see a little bump there — that's a common place to see the swelling,' Fleming added. 'And if you feel some extra squishiness, that could be a sign that you have some very slight swelling of your ankle, that's usually just the easiest place to check,' said Fleming. When your shoes are too tight, it can cause real problems beyond discomfort. First, 'it can cut off circulation,' said Pagonis. It can also lead to bunions, she added. 'And, when you're restricting the movement of your feet, it can cause other injuries throughout the rest of your body because you're not propelling yourself forward naturally. [You're] overcompensating, it's affecting your gait,' Pagonis said. It can also lead to chafing and some of the common issues you hear about in runners, such as ripped toenails and blisters, she added. If you wear a shoe that accounts for the swelling, though, this won't be a problem. 'Most of the time, swelling of your feet after running is fairly harmless, so I wouldn't let it cause you too much worry,' Fleming said. 'The only time where you want to consider looking into it further or seeking more medical attention is if the swelling persists for more than a few hours after you're running, or if the swelling just continues to increase after you're done running, or if you get any changes in color to the skin,' he added. Additionally, if you have underlying conditions or a medical history that raises concerns about the swelling, Fleming said, you should also consult your doctor. 'But, the vast majority of these cases, they're fairly benign,' he said. To make sure you're prepared for any foot swelling that may happen during your walk or run, consider getting properly fitted for running or walking shoes at your local running store. Or, you can talk to a sports medicine doctor about what you should look for in a sneaker. Is Running Really THAT Bad On Your Knees? The Answer May Surprise You. 'Rucking' Is The Latest Walking Trend You Need To Try. Here's Why. 4 Ways To Make Your Daily Walk More Effective
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Is Running Really THAT Bad On Your Knees? The Answer May Surprise You.
You're probably familiar with the idea that running is bad for your knees. It's a pervasive thought that keeps many folks from going out for a jog. Some people say running is hard on your joints while others say the impact can cause arthritis. Is this true? Or is running just a fitness regimen with a bad rap? Thanks to recent research, doctors now have a more full view of running's impact on the knees (and other joints). Below, doctors shared with HuffPost their thoughts on whether running is safe for your knees. 'Anybody that already has arthritis or any other type of medical condition or orthopedic problem should probably consult with their doctor to ensure that running is safe for them,' said Dr. Jeffrey Fleming, a sports medicine physician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the medical director of the Pittsburgh Marathon. There are lots of restrictions and symptoms associated with arthritis and injuries, and they vary greatly from person to person. 'We want to make sure that we're treating each individual person appropriately,' Fleming said. If you notice sharp pain or even a dull pain in the joints after each run, you should see a doctor before you continue your running regimen, added Dr. A.J. Monseau, an emergency medicine and sports medicine physician at West Virginia University. This way, a doctor can figure out what is going on before a larger issue happens. 'I think there's good evidence at this point that running can actually improve cartilage health to some extent, as long as we are not injuring ourselves,' Monseau said. Healthy cartilage allows your joints and bones to function properly and in a painless manner by lubricating the joints and absorbing the shock that happens when you move around. This way, your bones don't directly feel the impact. Running can also 'help strengthen the muscles and the bones around the knees,' according to Dr. Sean Thompson, an orthopedic surgeon and owner of East Coast Bone and Joint Surgeons. '[Running] can help prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone density,' Thompson shows that exercise like running can help build strong bones. Folks with osteoporosis have weak or brittle bones because of a loss of bone density. It's particularly common in women who are postmenopausal. The loss of estrogen that happens in menopause can also cause a loss of bone density. As Thompson mentioned, exercise, particularly before menopause (but during menopause is valuable, too), can help build up bone density and give folks higher levels of bone density when the estrogen loss does begin. A common misconception is that running can lead to knee arthritis, but experts say that isn't accurate. 'If you look at the most recent research that we have on this subject, the short answer to that question is we don't think that running causes arthritis in your knees,' Fleming said. Some evidence even shows that recreational runners are sometimes less likely to develop arthritis when compared to non-runners, Fleming said, but added that it's unclear if it's the running that leads to a less arthritis incidence or the healthier lifestyle that's often followed by runners,such as a healthier diet and a dedicated workout regimen. 'Strengthening the muscles around the knee, like the quads or the gluteal ... muscles, and especially the core muscles, can help to prevent injury from running, especially when you're first starting,' Thompson said. This aligns with the activity recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine, which recommend strength and resistance training in addition to cardiovascular exercise, said Monseau. If you haven't exercised for some time or are nervous about potential joint pain, there are a few things you can do to decrease the risk of pain. First, you should consider doing a warm-up. 'That is a completely personal thing. If your body and your knees and your hips and everything feel good after a rather gentle warm-up for even a few minutes, that's probably sufficient for you, but some people find that they need longer time of warming up before they really get after it,' said Monseau. You should also start training gradually, said Fleming. Meaning, if you are a new runner who's training for a half-marathon, you shouldn't go out and try to run 5 miles without building up. 'We often see people develop injuries whenever they start preparing for a marathon, and often it's because they're doing too much too soon,' Fleming said. 'The other big thing that can help prevent injury or help prevent arthritis is just making sure that you're using an appropriate running form and you have the appropriate equipment — you have a decent pair of running shoes,' said Fleming. 'These are all pretty simple things, but if you overlook them, and you run in a way that doesn't support these things, you can definitely develop some pain and have a greater risk for injury and arthritis down the line.' You can talk to anyone from a sports medicine physician to personal trainer to physical therapist about proper running form and proper running gear. Many towns even have dedicated running stores you can visit for shoe fittings and advice. Running on softer surfaces such as a track or on the grass can be a good option, said Thompson. Research shows that there's less impact on your joints when running on these kinds of surfaces. 'If there are limitations that don't allow the individual to run, even walking at a brisk pace or incline walking can show similar benefits to running,' Thompson said. 'The general rule of thumb that I often tell people is movement is so important for overall health, and I'm not very picky in terms of what type of movement you go out and get, whether that's running or cycling or weightlifting, just as long as you're doing something,' said Fleming. 'So, if running is something you want to do, I fully encourage you to give it a try, as long as it'll help you move more,' he added. Beyond the benefit to your joint health, running is also good for your mental health and your cardiovascular health. Plus, regular physical activity (like running) can lower your risk of dementia and certain cancers. So, the benefits of running on your health potentially outweigh any of the joint or arthritis risks you hear about, Fleming said. Running Experts Reveal The Foods They Avoid For A Poop-Free Run 'Rucking' Is The Latest Walking Trend You Need To Try. Here's Why. Study Reveals How Much Exercise Older Adults Need Each Week To Live Longer
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Is Running Really THAT Bad On Your Knees? The Answer May Surprise You.
You're probably familiar with the idea that running is bad for your knees. It's a pervasive thought that keeps many folks from going out for a jog. Some people say running is hard on your joints while others say the impact can cause arthritis. Is this true? Or is running just a fitness regimen with a bad rap? Thanks to recent research, doctors now have a more full view of running's impact on the knees (and other joints). Below, doctors shared with HuffPost their thoughts on whether running is safe for your knees. 'Anybody that already has arthritis or any other type of medical condition or orthopedic problem should probably consult with their doctor to ensure that running is safe for them,' said Dr. Jeffrey Fleming, a sports medicine physician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the medical director of the Pittsburgh Marathon. There are lots of restrictions and symptoms associated with arthritis and injuries, and they vary greatly from person to person. 'We want to make sure that we're treating each individual person appropriately,' Fleming said. If you notice sharp pain or even a dull pain in the joints after each run, you should see a doctor before you continue your running regimen, added Dr. A.J. Monseau, an emergency medicine and sports medicine physician at West Virginia University. This way, a doctor can figure out what is going on before a larger issue happens. 'I think there's good evidence at this point that running can actually improve cartilage health to some extent, as long as we are not injuring ourselves,' Monseau said. Healthy cartilage allows your joints and bones to function properly and in a painless manner by lubricating the joints and absorbing the shock that happens when you move around. This way, your bones don't directly feel the impact. Running can also 'help strengthen the muscles and the bones around the knees,' according to Dr. Sean Thompson, an orthopedic surgeon and owner of East Coast Bone and Joint Surgeons. '[Running] can help prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone density,' Thompson shows that exercise like running can help build strong bones. Folks with osteoporosis have weak or brittle bones because of a loss of bone density. It's particularly common in women who are postmenopausal. The loss of estrogen that happens in menopause can also cause a loss of bone density. As Thompson mentioned, exercise, particularly before menopause (but during menopause is valuable, too), can help build up bone density and give folks higher levels of bone density when the estrogen loss does begin. A common misconception is that running can lead to knee arthritis, but experts say that isn't accurate. 'If you look at the most recent research that we have on this subject, the short answer to that question is we don't think that running causes arthritis in your knees,' Fleming said. Some evidence even shows that recreational runners are sometimes less likely to develop arthritis when compared to non-runners, Fleming said, but added that it's unclear if it's the running that leads to a less arthritis incidence or the healthier lifestyle that's often followed by runners,such as a healthier diet and a dedicated workout regimen. 'Strengthening the muscles around the knee, like the quads or the gluteal ... muscles, and especially the core muscles, can help to prevent injury from running, especially when you're first starting,' Thompson said. This aligns with the activity recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine, which recommend strength and resistance training in addition to cardiovascular exercise, said Monseau. If you haven't exercised for some time or are nervous about potential joint pain, there are a few things you can do to decrease the risk of pain. First, you should consider doing a warm-up. 'That is a completely personal thing. If your body and your knees and your hips and everything feel good after a rather gentle warm-up for even a few minutes, that's probably sufficient for you, but some people find that they need longer time of warming up before they really get after it,' said Monseau. You should also start training gradually, said Fleming. Meaning, if you are a new runner who's training for a half-marathon, you shouldn't go out and try to run 5 miles without building up. 'We often see people develop injuries whenever they start preparing for a marathon, and often it's because they're doing too much too soon,' Fleming said. 'The other big thing that can help prevent injury or help prevent arthritis is just making sure that you're using an appropriate running form and you have the appropriate equipment — you have a decent pair of running shoes,' said Fleming. 'These are all pretty simple things, but if you overlook them, and you run in a way that doesn't support these things, you can definitely develop some pain and have a greater risk for injury and arthritis down the line.' You can talk to anyone from a sports medicine physician to personal trainer to physical therapist about proper running form and proper running gear. Many towns even have dedicated running stores you can visit for shoe fittings and advice. Running on softer surfaces such as a track or on the grass can be a good option, said Thompson. Research shows that there's less impact on your joints when running on these kinds of surfaces. 'If there are limitations that don't allow the individual to run, even walking at a brisk pace or incline walking can show similar benefits to running,' Thompson said. 'The general rule of thumb that I often tell people is movement is so important for overall health, and I'm not very picky in terms of what type of movement you go out and get, whether that's running or cycling or weightlifting, just as long as you're doing something,' said Fleming. 'So, if running is something you want to do, I fully encourage you to give it a try, as long as it'll help you move more,' he added. Beyond the benefit to your joint health, running is also good for your mental health and your cardiovascular health. Plus, regular physical activity (like running) can lower your risk of dementia and certain cancers. So, the benefits of running on your health potentially outweigh any of the joint or arthritis risks you hear about, Fleming said. Running Experts Reveal The Foods They Avoid For A Poop-Free Run 'Rucking' Is The Latest Walking Trend You Need To Try. Here's Why. Study Reveals How Much Exercise Older Adults Need Each Week To Live Longer
CBS News
04-05-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Runners take to the streets for 2025 Pittsburgh Marathon Sunday races
Runners take to the streets for 2025 Pittsburgh Marathon Sunday races Runners take to the streets for 2025 Pittsburgh Marathon Sunday races Runners take to the streets for 2025 Pittsburgh Marathon Sunday races It was race weekend here in the Steel City as hundreds of thousands flooded downtown for the Pittsburgh Marathon. From Downtown to the West End to Homewood and everywhere in between, 23,000 people laced up their sneakers to participate in the Pittsburgh Marathon. Thousands of people lined downtown to cheer on the 23,000 runners who participated in Sunday's marathon, relay, or half marathon. Crossing the finish line first for the half was Dominic Ondoro, who came back to compete in Pittsburgh. "I am so happy to win this race. I'm feeling so awesome," Ondoro said. The women's half-marathon winner says it was at the 10-mile mark when she knew she had won. "I think today was the right time for me. I just want to do well. The goal was to do well, but in the back of my mind, I wanted to win," said winner Everlyn Kemboi. The full marathon elite runners completed the hilly 26.2-mile course in just a few hours, bringing in some cash prizes. "Yes, I was working towards winning. It was in my mind the whole time," said Mulgeta Birhanu Feyissa, winner of the men's race. "It means a lot because last year I came here and won, but I was having a tough time, so I'm happy today because I felt in control," said Jane Bareickis, winner of the women's race. Among the thousands of runners was a group racing for a purpose. Just weeks ago, Don Slusser, a legendary runner, Indiana University of Pennsylvania graduate, and one of only eight men to run every Pittsburgh Marathon since it began in 1985, died before another marathon he was supposed to run. Friends and family honored his memory by carrying his bib number 1226 across the course he loved so much for one last time. "He never missed a marathon, he never missed a Great Race," said Roger McGuire, a friend of Slusser's. "They decided to honor him by having a relay team, and I was honored to be the anchor." If you're feeling up to it, registration for next year's Pittsburgh Marathon will be open by Monday.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 Pittsburgh Marathon weekend draws record-large number of participants
A record-setting 46,000 people came out for the 2025 Pittsburgh Marathon weekend this year. At 7 a.m. Sunday, tens of thousands of runners hit the pavement for the 2025 Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. Participants came from all 50 states and 24 countries to run the 26.2 miles throughout Pittsburgh's winding and hilly landscape. The male marathon winner, Mulgeta Birhanu Feyissa, crossed the finish line at 2 hours, 14 minutes and 31 seconds. Advertisement 'Yes, it's a little warm it's a little humid and there were a few uphill's. I'm very happy. I'm extremely pleased,' he said. Jane Bareikis took the top spot in the women's division for the second year in a row. 'As they go across the bridges and through our neighborhoods... they're greeted with enthusiastic folks on the sidelines really cheering them on at every turn,' Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato said. We spoke to one runner about why he participated in the race. 'I'm from Saint Louis, Missouri. Just happy to be here for the Pittsburgh Marathon. I started in 2015. I started doing this running for Alzheimer's, dementia, cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure,' Christopher Blair said. Advertisement Each person has a different reason for being a part of the race, but there is one thing everyone gets. 'The crowds are out encouraging them, getting them to this finish line, you see everybody starting to cross now - a lot of smiles on their faces, a lot of excitement,' CEO of P3R Troy Schooley said. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
