Running injuries are common among people who are athletic. It is important to practice running injury prevention techniques, and this can be accomplished in several ways. Warming up and cooling down before running is essential in keeping the body strong, and free of injury. Additionally, it is beneficial to gradually increase speed and mileage, and wearing shoes that fit correctly may help to prevent running injuries. Many runners can suffer from an acute injury, and this can happen from a fall or bumping into another runner. Such injuries can affect the ligaments and tendons, and walking can be difficult. Relief can be found when the affected foot is elevated, and this may help to reduce existing swelling. Chronic injuries are considered to be the most common type of running injury, and often includes stress fractures. It is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can educate you about different types of running injuries, and offer methods on how they can be prevented.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.