It is beneficial for people who decide to take up running to learn about how to prevent running injuries. A foot or ankle that becomes injured can cause the running to temporarily stop, and this can affect the beginner or seasoned runner. There are simple methods that can be implemented that are best when practiced daily. It is important to keep the joints, ligaments, and muscles flexible, and this can be done by performing specific stretches. Having strong feet and ankles can cause an imbalance in the knees, possibly incurring a painful injury. Squats are an effective exercise to practice, in addition to lateral leg raises. The back of the leg can become stronger when calf raises are done. This is accomplished by standing on a step, and lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. For more information about how to prevent running injuries, please speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward additional stretches to perform.

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 Dr. Sybil J. Fisher of Texas. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.