Runners, both professional and recreational, need to take particular care of the health of their feet. If a runner is not taking certain measures, they might be putting themselves at risk of developing a foot injury or condition from running. One of the measures that runners may consider taking is running on even surfaces. When an individual chooses to run on uneven surfaces, the unbalanced surface can create an off-center force in the runner’s feet. As a result, a runner may be more likely to develop certain foot conditions such as tendonitis, joint inflammation or a fracture of the foot. If you are someone that frequently engages in running or similar physical activities, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist. This foot specialist will be able to treat your foot conditions, and answer any questions you may have about running on uneven surfaces. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Gary Saphire, DPM of Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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