Running is a wonderful sport for maintaining your cardiovascular health and overall fitness, however, it can increase your risk of getting a foot or ankle injury. Two of the most common running injuries are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis often presents itself as a stabbing pain in the heel, or pain in the arch of the foot. This is an overuse injury that is the result of repetitive stress on the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, a fibrous cord that connects the muscles in the back of your calf to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is caused by small tears in the tendon due to overuse. Many running injuries can be prevented by regularly warming up, doing strengthening exercises, resting, and wearing the right shoes. However, if you find yourself with a persistent foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you seek the care of 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 Associates of Maine. 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 Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
