Running Injuries in Raritan

Athletes know that preventing injury is a priority. Most will learn at least the basic rules to avoid causing themselves pain. And yet, when it comes up that an athlete is feeling pain, the most common response is to keep training through it. While the athlete is aware that running injuries in Raritan are serious, they're also used to the concept of keeping going through the pain.

This mode of thinking is useful when you're training. If you can keep running after you get a little tired, you can build strength and muscle. When you first start running this seems particularly useful since any distance may feel like a big stretch.

However, there's a point where this thinking becomes unhelpful. Where it becomes a liability.

Running injuries are indeed an inevitable part of being a runner. If you are exercising at high intensity for long enough, at some point, something will happen. Even when you're in the best shape and taking the best care, your ankle may slip and you may suffer a sprain. These things just happen.

But there are a lot of small and simple steps you can take to help prevent these things. While they may feel like an inconvenience at the time, they are a much smaller step to take than having to stop running for months or even a year to recover from serious injury.

Routines To Help You Prevent Running Injuries in Raritan

Take care of your feet with quality running shoes. You may want to talk to your podiatrist about your feet since your needs are unique. You might want to look into orthotics, depending on your situation. Ideally, you will own two pairs of running shoes and alternate between them. You will make a habit of purchasing new running shoes every six months or every 400 miles, whichever comes first. Thorlo socks and nice laces with bumps to keep them from slipping are also recommended.

If you're a serious runner, you can prevent running injuries by visiting your podiatrist at least once a year for a routine check-up. If your feet or ankles are starting to show any signs of upcoming trouble, your podiatrist will be able to warn you and give you some advice on how to prevent specific wear and tear issues that are happening for you. This advice may include orthotics, adjustments to how you place your feet when you run, or tips for adjusting your routine.

Do you just feel off today? When you run regularly, you are more aware of your body. If you feel off, don't ignore it. On days where you feel more run down, either skip training altogether or run less that day. Giving your body time to rest is important.

Speaking of rest, there should be days where you don't run. Either rest your body entirely on those days or exercise in other ways that support your running. Flexibility training will keep your body limber, which helps prevent running injuries. A yoga practice can help a lot with this. Strong muscles are another way to prevent running injuries, so a day of lifting weights can be very helpful.

Remember that as a runner, you are making this a part of your life for the long haul. To keep yourself in the best shape, take good care. Whenever you have any questions about your health, don't be afraid to get in touch with your Raritan podiatrist at Bridgewater Foot Care LLC.