Avoid Running Injuries in Calgary

Running is a great way for people to stay in shape; unfortunately, frequent jogging and running can take a toll on your knees and feet. Precautions are necessary to help avoid potential running injuries. Our Calgary clinic wants to help you stay fit, healthy, and pain-free. Read our suggestions and give us a call if you have any questions or concerns about your foot care.

Remember to Stretch

If you’re participating in a high-impact activity like running, it becomes even more important to warm up and prepare your muscles accordingly. Take 5-10 minutes to stretch, hold, and relax each of your arms legs, and ankles properly. Focus on the back of the leg and thigh muscles in particular. Here’s a few more recommended stretches you can do prior to your run.

• Calf muscles: Lean into a wall with your feet flat on the floor and your knees locked and your hands in a push-up position. This is a great way to stretch the calf muscles. 
• Hamstrings: Place a straightened leg on a chair for support. Slowly move your head toward the raised knee until you feel the muscles tighten. Hold this position for 10 seconds before relaxing again. 
• Lower back: In a standing position with both legs straight and your feet slightly apart, bend at the waist and try to touch your palms to the floor (or as far as you can go). Hold for 10 seconds before rising up

The Rundown on Running Pains

Arch supports, as prescribed by Heritage Family Foot Clinic, are recommended to avoid progressive knee pain. Orthotic devices can also help alleviate the symptoms brought on by shin splints. Hard surfaces, muscle imbalance, and over striding all contribute to leg pain while jogging.

Whether you’re just starting out, or you’ve been running for years, a podiatrist can make your time spent jogging a lot more enjoyable, and safe. Make a pit stop at our clinic to maximize your conditioning.