Running can be an amazing form of exercise for lots of people, and it can also help them to relieve stress. However, running can be tough on your knees over time. In fact, half of all runners will become injured each year that can stop them from running for some time. There are roughly four common knee injuries that runners suffer from, including the aptly named “runner’s knee” and iliotibial band (IT band) syndrome.
With running knee injuries being so common, it is obviously important to reduce the risk of harming your knees. Caring for your knees will see you running comfortably for a lot longer. This post has outlined four of the key ways to keep your knees in working condition.
Although purchasing trainers specifically for running can cause your bank balance to dwindle, they are an essential investment to protect your knees. The right footwear will provide essential support and cushioning to your feet as well as absorb impact to prevent injuries, such as shin splints and stress fractures. They will also protect you from experiencing back and hip pain.
Finding the best running shoes for you will be determined by looking at your runs. This will include where you run, how long you run for, and the type of gait you have. You can find the right shoes for you by considering these aspects and possibly discussing to a specialist in selling these trainers.
All running professions – and fitness experts in general – will tell you that performing warm-ups are vital. Warm-ups are a good way to get your muscles moving and ready for running; these movements will increase your blood flow and muscle temperature, which will prevent injuries. Muscles and joints that have been warmed up effectively will be more pliable and less likely to strain or tear when exercising.
Similarly, cooldowns can help your body return to a resting state after running. This will ensure you are adequately prepared for your next run, especially when cooling down will reduce muscle soreness and promote faster recovery.
Joint care is essential for all people, never mind if they are runners or not. Running is a high-impact exercise that can put substantial stress on the ankles, hips, and knees. This stress can lead to discomfort in the best-case scenario and potentially long-term issues, such as osteoarthritis, in the worst. Excessive usage and improper form can worsen the likelihood of injuries.
Caring for joint health over time will include the other points made in this post, but listening to your body is also an essential factor. When you feel a niggle in your knees, or any other joint, you must listen to it and take a much-needed rest. This is easier to do when you give your body adequate support through proper nutrition and rest, and you might also want to supplement your diet with minerals and vitamins known for joint health.
Runners can also strengthen their knees to prevent injuries. Strength training exercises, with weights, can be used to target the muscles around the knees and hips. These exercises, like lunges and squats, can be useful to lessen knee pain and reduce the risk of injury over time.
By using the four tips explained in this post, you can protect your knees for years to come as a runner.