5 Tips to Prevent Common Running Injuries
Running has become an increasingly popular activity for exercise among people of all ages. In fact, 60 million people within the United States participate in some form of running activity each year. People participate in running activities for numerous reasons including: improving fitness, weight concerns, running a race/competition, staying healthy, and having fun. Running for 5 – 10 minutes per day has shown to decrease the risk of death and cardiovascular disease. Running less than 50 minutes per week has also shown to reduce the risk of death from heart disease when compared to individuals who don’t participate in running at all. While running has many benefits, about 50% of people get injured each year from running. Running injuries can be caused by poor running technique, reduced strength and flexibility, improper footwear, as well as overuse.
8 Exercises to Help IT Band Pain
The IT band, or Illiotibial band, is connective tissue that runs along the lateral thigh from the hip to the outside of the tibia (shinbone), just below your knee. IT band pain occurs due to inflammation caused by friction between the IT band and thigh bone, often with repeated knee flexion and extension. This inflammation leads to pain on the outside of the knee, especially with repetitive use in running, walking, hiking and cycling.
Shin Splints in Gymnasts
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome is more commonly known as “Shin Splints.” This syndrome describes pain on the front and side of the shin bone in the lower leg. Shin splints are common in running and jumping athletes including gymnasts who run and tumble frequently.
Running With Pain? You Might Have One of These Common Running Injuries
You’re out running on your favorite trail, and so far, everything about your run is perfect. But then, you feel an unusual burn in your heel. Or a discomforting pull of your hamstrings just behind your knee. You might even misstep and roll an ankle. Running, like any other sport, has its fair share of injuries associated with it.
Who is at Risk for Jumper’s Knee?
Sports that involve high levels of running and jumping can leave athletes at increased risk for certain injuries. Basketball is an example of a sport that can predispose athletes to knee pain. Several studies have shown that the knee is the most common site of injury reported in adolescent basketball players, both male and female.1,2
Debut Marathoner: Avoiding Red Lights in Your Marathon Training
Many marathon runners will experience injuries due to things such as overtraining, poor footwear and muscle imbalance. In fact, data shows that running-related injuries to the lower extremity can occur in 19.4 percent to 79.3 percent of runners each year – with marathon runners averaging 58 percent.(1,2)
Put Your Phone Down. Your Arms Will Thank You!
How many times would you estimate that you check your smartphone every day? Twenty? Thirty? Forty? Fifty times or possibly more?
3 Ways to Avoid Overuse Injuries in the Kitchen
Cooking can be a great, stress relieving activity. Over time, however, it can lead to overuse injuries if proper body mechanics are not used, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.