Research has indicated that there are many benefits of running. People who enjoy this sport are often aware of the positive aspects cardiovascular exercise can provide. These may include producing endorphins, keeping the heart and body healthy, and shedding excess weight. Many runners know the importance of warming up before and after a run, as this may be helpful in preventing running injuries. Achilles tendonitis is a common running injury. This tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel, and can become quite painful if it becomes torn or injured. This type of injury can possibly be prevented by performing heel raises, and this may be beneficial in strengthening the calves. Additionally, patients may experience plantar fasciitis. This is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. A common prevention technique can include wearing shoes that fit correctly, and practicing specific foot stretches. If you would like additional information about how running injuries can affect the feet, please consult with 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 Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire Podiatry. 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 Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.