Many people who enjoy running are often devastated if they have endured a foot injury. This can cause their running routine to temporarily stop, which may cause despair. The importance of preventing running injuries is crucial among most runners, and there are simple methods that can be done, which can help to do this. A common running injury can happen to the Achilles tendon, which connects the heel to the calf muscles. This may be prevented by performing heel stretches before starting and after completing a run. Additionally, plantar fasciitis can cause severe pain and discomfort, and can be a runner’s worst nightmare. It affects the plantar fascia that is found on the sole of the foot, and connects the heels to the toes. Consistent running without performing stretches beforehand can lead to this debilitating foot condition. A stress fracture can gradually occur from overuse, or may happen from increasing intensity and speed too quickly. If you would like information about how to perform specific stretches that may help to prevent running injuries, please speak with a podiatrist.
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 one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio. Our doctors 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 Gahanna, Newark, Columbus, and Lancaster, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
