Running is an excellent way to burn one’s daily calories, and many people find the exercise exhilarating and rewarding. However, some individuals can be reckless by failing to take the precautions needed to prevent injuries. If a runner does not take steps to prepare their body before the run, they may be setting themselves up for injury. Some injuries that can occur during a run result from having weak muscles. The body is then forced to rely on other muscles while running to effectively compensate. This can lead to overuse injuries. To avoid overuse injuries, you may consider practicing different exercises. For example, you might consider practicing reverse lunges, single-leg deadlifts, or even side planks. Running is not just about the feet; the entire body is engaged and must be strong to run effectively. Contact a chiropodist if you are a runner for more information about preventing injuries.

Although running is a wonderful exercise to keep you in shape, it can wreak havoc on your feet and ankles if you don’t take preventive measures. If you have sustained a foot and ankle injury from running, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Some common running injuries include:

• Achilles tendonitis

• Shin splints

• Ankle sprains

• Stress fractures

• Plantar fasciitis

• Bursitis 

What causes injuries? 

These injuries are usually caused by overtraining, wearing the wrong shoes, running on hard surfaces, having tight and inflexible muscles, or having biomechanical issues in the feet or ankles. 

What can I do to prevent injuries? 

• Train slowly and gradually

• Give yourself plenty of time to recover following a run

• Wear shoes that fit properly and support your foot

• Avoid running on hard surfaces, like concrete

• Stretch and strengthen the muscles of your lower legs

• Warm-up prior to a run

• Have your gait analyzed and your feet examined by a chiropodist to determine if there are any biomechanical problems that need to be treated 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.