Many athletes are aware of the risk factors that can develop from running. Many running injuries can cause serious lower extremity issues. It is important to be aware of prevention methods that can help you to avoid such an injury. Common risk factors can include training beyond your skill level, poor sleep and nutritional habits, poor postural control, and over stressing your body. Not properly stretching before or after a run can severely increase your risk of obtaining an injury. Stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and sprained ankles, are a few conditions that are commonly associated with running injuries. For additional information on prevention methods, as well as treatment options if you do become injured while running, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist for proper care.

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. Scott Shrem of Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. 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 our office located in Hazlet, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.