Alternating Shoes May Prevent Running Injuries

Alternating Shoes May Prevent Running Injuries

The Top Shoes of 2013 (So Far)Luxembourg scientists held a study focusing on runners and the rate of injuries incurred. These focuses consisted not only of runners and their rate of injury,  but also the type of shoes being worn and how intense their training was. The study discovered that subjects who made it a habit to switch their shoes routinely reduced their chance of injury by at least 39%.

Researchers say that the reason for this lowered rate is because runners often strain the same muscles over and over. Conversely, alternating pairs of shoes can place some of that pressure on different tissues. "The concomitant use of different pairs of running shoes will provide alternation in the running pattern and vary external and active forces on the lower legs during running activity,” the scientists said.

Fortunately, running injuries can be avoided. However, if you sustained a running injury, see podiatrist Dr. Michael H. Wynn, DPM of Foot Care Associates of Texas. Dr. Wynncan address and treat your running injuries.

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 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

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

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