A Danish study suggests that running faster may actually help reduce injuries rather than increase the risk. The Danish study proposes that running faster will decrease the odds of runner’s knee. Runner’s knee occurs when strain is exerted on the knee as runners land on their heels. Research done by the team suggests that the number of strides taken by runners affects the chance of putting more strain on their knees. The more strides you take as you run slower accumulates more load on the knees. However, running faster still does increase the strain on the Achilles tendon and your hamstrings, so try running shorter distances at a faster pace.
Runners can still be prone to running injuries even with proper precautions. If you have any concerns with your feet contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. 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 Bethelehem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.