Knowing Your Facts About Running Injuries

• Dr. Bruce Zappan
• January 22, 2018

Those who run often may find themselves prone to running injuries. Common reasons for why running injuries occur are improper training, overexercising or overusing your muscles, not having the proper footwear, and not using the proper safety equipment. Two types of sports injuries that exist are acute traumatic injuries and overuse injuries. Acute traumatic injuries include sprains, fractures, and other similar injuries that can be caused by a blow or force to the body. Overuse injuries are injuries that occur over time and include stress fractures or tendonitis. Overuse injuries should be treated immediately as they may not seem serious at first. Both acute traumatic injuries and overuse injuries can happen to individuals who run often.

Runners can still be prone to running injuries even with proper precautions. If you are suffering from a running injury consult with Dr. Bruce B. Zappan, D.P.M., P.C., of Medical Arts Podiatry Associates. Dr. Zappan can 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 contact our office in Philadelphia, PA. We offer all the newest in diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle conditions.

Read more about how to Prevent Running Injuries.