What Can You Do To Prevent Running Injuries
Getting out for a nice run is an excellent exercise activity requiring a minimum investment in equipment that gets you some fresh air and stress relief. While the benefits of regular exercise like running outweigh the risks, you are susceptible to injuring a foot or ankle with a sprain, arch injury, or tendon pull.
You can decrease the chances of suffering an injury while running with care and planning and by having regular checkups with our sports podiatrist. Schedule an appointment today.
While running in and of itself shouldn’t be harmful, below are some ways to help prevent injuries
Be careful starting a new exercise program: One of the most common causes of injury while running is in folks who start a new exercise program too rapidly after a long time spent sedentary. Your body isn’t used to the stress and pressure and injury is often the result. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your runs over time to help prevent injuries.
Use custom orthotic molded inserts: Orthotic inserts are precisely formed to fit your particular foot. They are used to correct arch problems and poor gait mechanics that can cause knee, hip, and back problems. Metatarsal supports treat hammertoes.
Stay Hydrated: Drink healthy fluids before, during, and after your run to keep hydrated and avoid muscle cramps and pulls.
Do proper warm-up and cool-down exercises: Do adequate stretching for calf muscles, feet, and ankles before a run, and after you finish your run.
Wear the correct footwear: Wear the right shoes for the activity. Proper running shoes have extra cushioning in the heel area to help absorb pressure.
If you have foot or ankle pain caused by running and exercising, see our expert foot and ankle doctors for the proper diagnosis and treatment. Get in touch with Podiatry Group of Annapolis, located in Annapolis, Maryland. With access to state-of-the-art technologies, Dr. James Mckee and Dr. Adam Weaver can help you manage all of your foot and ankle issues including, heel pain, ankle sprains, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown or fungal toenails, and plantar warts. Call 410-224-4448 or request an appointment online today.