Cory Smith of Phillymag calls the transition of the cold winter months into warmer, sunnier weather injury season. It is a time when all runners vamp up their training methods and are more likely to become injured. Smith has created five tips to help runners avoid injury during training.

Patience is key when it comes to running outside again. If you have not been running consistently, slowly start up your routine again to allow muscles to adapt to the stress again. Understand the differences between running on a treadmill and the higher difficulty of running outside. Forcing fitness before the feet and body are ready is a key way to obtain an injury.

Listen to your body, if you feel you need to take a rest day, then take it. If your shoes are worn or inappropriate for outdoor running get new ones that properly fit and function.

Runners can still be prone to running injuries even with proper precautions. If you are suffering from a running injury see Dr. Paula F. Raugellis of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Dr. Raugellis will provide you with quality treatment and assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns.

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 one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs

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