While running can be a strenuous and potentially injurious activity, there are things you can do to minimize pain and injury. Stretching before a run is important and can help prevent plantar fasciitis and shin splints. Rolling the bottom of your feet with a ball or foam roller is a great way to stretch your foot. Exercises that strengthen the foot and leg muscles are recommended; just be sure that you don’t push yourself too hard. A broken toenail or ingrown toenail can cause a lot of pain, so it's recommended to keep your nails trimmed and cut straight across. Shoes that don’t properly fit can also be a potential cause of foot pain. Make sure shoes fit well before you buy them and that they provide proper foot support and cushioning. Socks are also important and should allow your feet to breathe. Moisture-wicking socks are great because they prevent feet from becoming overly moist and damp; moistness and dampness can lead to athlete’s foot and blisters. Running is a great activity, and when proper precautions are taken, it can be safe too.
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 Livingston Foot Care Specialists. 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 office located in North Bellmore, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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