Running Injuries

Many people would think that because it isn't a contact sport, there are no running injuries—at least none of any great importance. In reality, quite the opposite is true, especially if one fails to wear proper running shoes. A common running injury is that to the knees, and in many cases this is caused by nothing more than improperly fitted running shoes or wearing running shoes that are not suited to the type of activity the wearer is doing. For example, many people, especially amateur runners, attempt to save money by wearing athletic shoes that are made for activities other than running. This is the easiest way to cause a knee injury when running because other types of athletic shoes do not have the proper support for running. Improper running shoes can also cause a lower back injury from running. This can happen from poor posture while running, thus putting a strain on the spine. Shoes that do not provide proper cushioning and support for running can also cause strain on the lower back.

Though knee and back injuries are the most common injuries that one associates with running, foot injuries can also occur from any number of reasons. Many times they are the result of tightly fitting shoes or shoes that are tied too tightly to allow the feet to move. You may think that the shoe needs to be tight in order to prevent movement, but you are actually restricting your foot's ability to be agile, and thus and thus create a perfect environment for a foot and an ankle injury from running. There is also a definite correlation between running injuries and weight gain. After all, a change in weight puts more stress on the back and the knees, so two easy ways to prevent running injuries are having proper running shoes and keeping your weight under control.

One can also be subject to a shoulder injury from running if you are not careful with both your posture and your running apparel. Allowing the shoulders to bounce around in an uncontrolled fashion while you are running can cause serious injury to the joints and muscles. Even if you are only running for the pleasure or exercise, it's still important to make certain that any area that may suffer from common running injuries is properly supported. Having to suffer runner injuries can put a damper on your lifestyle as well as your earning potential, whether you are a professional or an amateur. A knee injury from running can put a professional runner out of work for a long time, or even permanently, while the amateur runner can be faced with finding another career if he or she has to spend any amount of time standing or walking.

If you think that you are exempt by using a treadmill, nothing can be farther from the truth. A treadmill is nothing more than a substitute for going outside and walking or running, though some do have an incline that mimics going up and down the stairs. Without proper running shoes, you can still suffer a knee injury while running on a treadmill. Whether on the track, the trail, or the treadmill, you can suffer a knee injury from running shoes that are not fitted to the activity. Protect yourself from a knee injury. Runner's injuries are too common for you to take a chance.