A British study used a complex system of cameras to measure the way the bodies of 12 runners moved when they ran on a treadmill and when they ran outside. What they discovered was that when on a treadmill, runners tend to take shorter strides and flex their hips and ankles less.
"Both of these are likely to be a consequence of the belt moving and the fact that we don't actually move forward when running on the treadmill; rather, the belt moves underneath us," said Jonathan Sinclair, an expert at the University of Central Lancashire. The study suggested that running on treadmills could contribute to various foot and ankle injuries.
The best way to prevent running injuries is to know the right way to run. For more information about how to avoid injuries, contact a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can teach you about proper running form and help you adjust your habits to decrease your likelihood of getting hurt.
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. Runner’s knee usually is treated with strengthening exercises focusing on the quad muscles and sports orthotic. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned. Physical therapy can help you learn the best exercises to heal runner’s knee.
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 you’re running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
For more information about How to Prevent Running Injuries, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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