Common Running Injuries: Causes & Prevention
Whether you’re a seasoned pro when it comes to running, or you are ready to step out for the first time, running injuries can affect runners of all abilities. You may only encounter the first running aches and pains after years of regular running, while some of us may experience pain and discomfort in our feet and ankles whenever we run.
Our feet are subject to plenty of wear and tear, and this is especially so when we run or engage in other forms of cardiovascular exercise. The main cause of injury when we run is down to the pronation of our feet.
Pronation means the rolling motion of our foot as it comes into impact with the ground. Our own biomechanical flaws can affect the pronation of our feet – those who over-pronate generally have flat feet or low arches, while runners who under-pronate have high arched feet. Pronating our feet incorrectly as we run can cause our weight to shift onto irregular areas – meaning that pressure can build up on focused areas such as the heel or arch of the foot, resulting in not only foot pain but also pain in the ankles, lower legs and back.
One of the most common running injuries is Plantar Fasciitis. Caused by irregular pronation or through wearing running shoes that do not offer the correct support to the arch of the foot, the band of tissue that runs on the bottom of the foot from the toes to the heel becomes inflamed – resulting in a sharp pain when you run or put weight on your foot.
Expert podiatrists recommend that the best treatment for running injuries is prevention. Opting for footwear with Orthaheel technology that supports the arch of the foot will ensure stability and comfort for the foot – while reducing irregular pronation.
Running foot conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis are not just apparent when you run, many people find that they experience the same pain and discomfort when they are simply walking about. In such an instance, it may be that your heel and foot have fallen into an irregular alignment. Restoring this alignment can see a reduction in pain and discomfort, while the natural alignment can also ensure that you maintain a regular pronation when you do go out running.
Orthopaedic footwear such as Vionic shoes can help to restore the alignment while supporting the heel and arch of the foot. Vionic are one orthotic brand to use Foot Motion Technology. Vionic FMT is a built-in biomechanical technology which realigns the lower legs to improve posture, while reducing discomfort and pain caused by conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis.