Many running injuries can be prevented by wearing the right shoes and investing in your foot strength.
Choose footwear that fits well—not too tight, too short, too narrow, or too loose. Make sure you wear the right type of shoes for your stride and your foot type. Replace worn out pairs as well. Use orthotics to correct your biomechanics if you need to. Wear socks that wick moisture and reduce friction; this helps prevent blisters.
Strengthening and conditioning can also prevent many overuse sports injuries in your feet and ankles. You need strong calves, arches, and toes to absorb the hard impacts of striking the ground and pushing off again repeatedly. Calf raises and heel drops strengthen and stretch your calf muscles and Achilles tendons. Toe spreads work the small, supporting muscles in your feet. Warm up and cool down before and after your run, and ease into any routine changes so your feet can adjust.
These simple tips can go a long way in helping prevent foot injuries. If you’d like more information, contact Podiatry Associates, P.C. in Castle Pines and Parker, CO. Just call (303) 805-5156 to reach us.