Stretching is essential for runners to prevent injuries, improve flexibility, and support muscle recovery. The knee hug stretch loosens hip and glute muscles by pulling one knee toward the chest while standing. The child’s pose relaxes the back and hips by kneeling and reaching arms forward on the ground. A simple toe touch stretches hamstrings and calves by bending forward to touch your toes. These stretches improve circulation, reduce tension, and enhance running performance. A podiatrist can assess gait, provide injury prevention tips, and recommend orthotics for proper support. If you have developed foot pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional running injury prevention tips.
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 East Ocean Podiatry . 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 Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
