Dr. Eric Tan, assistant professor of Clinical Medicine from USC, recently answered some questions from runners regarding injury prevention. While many people understand the basic principle that stretching before and after a run is key in preventing injuries, Dr. Tan believes that there is more one can do. Maintaining and improving one’s flexibility with daily stretching, warming up, and cooling down before and after runs will help keep the body limber. Including days of rest, keeping hydrated, and eating a healthy diet are also very important.
Running injuries, even with proper precautions, can still occur in many runners. If you are suffering from a running injury, consult with Dr. Andrew H. Cohen, D.P.M. of Mid-Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Cohen will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.
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 feel free to contact one of our offices, located in Saginaw and Essexville, MI. We offer all the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet your needs.