A recent study found that Runners who engaged with less structured shoes had higher rates of injury and pain, almost as much as two to three times. While these numbers were in comparison to traditionally supported shoes, those advocates of the ‘minimalist’ style of running—Dr. Michael Ryan of Griffith University in Australia in particular—say that the footwear is designed to provide as little interference between the foot and the surface as possible to provide a more natural experience. Indeed, that one should engage in minimalism in running.
Lieberman, who chairs the Human Evolutionary Biology department at Harvard University, states that these reported injuries in the study are well within expected limits for a runner who is transitioning between drastic styles—and that the body will eventually adapt.
Many running injuries can be easily avoided if you follow a few simple guidelines. To learn about how to run safely, consider contacting a podiatrist like Dr. Neal Mozen of Foot HealthCare Associates. Dr. Mozen can give you advice and tips about how to exercise properly.
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. Runner’s knee usually is treated with strengthening exercises focusing on the quad muscles and sports orthotic. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned. Physical therapy can help you learn the best exercises to heal runner’s knee.
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
If you have any questions, contact our office in Livonia, MI. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to suit your needs.
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