Running offers great benefits, from improved heart health to better mood and endurance, but it can also lead to injury if not done carefully. Many runners deal with issues like shin splints, plantar fasciitis, or stress fractures when they increase mileage too quickly or wear improper shoes. Paying attention to form, pacing, and surface can make a big difference in how your body responds. Gradual training allows muscles and joints to adapt, lowering the risk of strain. It is also important to understand your foot type, as this affects how you move and absorb impact. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, recommend supportive footwear, and provide custom orthotics, if needed. They can also address early signs of injury before they become serious problems. It is suggested that if you experience foot pain while running, you see a podiatrist for appropriate relief and treatment solutions.
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 Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM of Achilles Footcare Center. 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 offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
