Running injuries affecting the feet, toes, and ankles can often be avoided with proper precautions. Gradually increasing running intensity and mileage helps prevent stress on the foot and ankle structures, reducing the likelihood of conditions like Achilles tendonitis and stress fractures. Wearing well-fitted running shoes with adequate support and cushioning minimizes excessive pressure on the forefoot and heel, helping to prevent plantar fasciitis and blisters. Paying attention to form, such as avoiding overstriding, can decrease the impact force on the feet and ankles. Strengthening the lower leg and foot muscles improves stability, which reduces the risk of ankle sprains. Cross-training with low-impact activities allows the feet and ankles to recover while maintaining fitness. Runners should also listen to their body and rest if pain develops to avoid worsening an injury. A podiatrist can assess your running-related foot injury, recommend custom orthotics, and provide the appropriate treatment to help you maintain healthy feet. If you have injured your foot, toe, or ankle from running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.
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 one of our podiatrists of Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
