Running is one of the best exercises to help you stay in shape and keep your energy level up. However, running can cause a lot of pain and damage to your joints if it is done excessively. What are the best options for protecting your joints while running?
When you’re worried about protecting your joints while running, your first step is to get some professional assistance. This can include speaking with your doctor as well as talking to a physical trainer. These are very important resources and can make a substantial difference to your understanding of the sport, and how it can be safely practiced.
It may seem like a nuisance when all you want to do is head out for a run, but you won’t regret having made the effort.
Your doctor can help you by giving you a basic check up to understand your body’s current condition. You can understand where you may have challenges and where your strengths may be. Your doctor can also help to recommend various foods and exercises that can strengthen your joints so that they will perform better during your run, reducing your risk of injury or damage when you move.
You may also be referred to a podiatrist or other type of foot specialist in order to determine whether you need orthotic insoles for your shoes. These are particularly important if your feet tend to roll in or out instead of remaining perfectly level when you run. The right insoles, custom made for your feet, may correct many potential issues before they become problems.
A physical trainer, on the other hand, can give you specific recommendations regarding form. This way, you can know that you’re moving in a way that is safe for your body. You can learn how to avoid unnecessary strain or harm with each step you take.
Beyond the advice your doctors and physical trainer can offer you, there are still some other helpful tips you can use for protecting your joints when you head outside for your next run. It’s important to take the advice of professionals first. Remember that they are the experts and are advising you based on your body’s unique needs.
Still, extra little tips to bring those recommendations to the next level can always be helpful.
These are the top five tips to keep in mind to protect your joints the next time you are out for a run:
We all know that being overweight can be hard on our bodies, but when you add running into the mix, it can really damage your joints. As long as you are at a healthy weight, running will be easier and less of a risk to your joints.
Eating right can also help you when it comes to protecting your joints while running. The healthier the food you put into your system, the better nourished you will be and the less you will weigh. This allows your joints not to have to carry so much weight when you run, which can help you run faster as well. If you add more vitamins and minerals into the mix, it can strengthen your joints, too.
When you go for a run, always make sure that you are running on flat terrain. The worst thing for your bones is to run on rocky or crack-filled surfaces. It is also bad on your joints when you go running up- or downhill. Running in a park or in your neighborhood is the safest and easiest way to go for you and your body.
Running is not about style but about health. You must always wear the correct type of shoes to protect your joints while running. Wearing shoes that have heels or anything of the sort risks injuring your joints and may result in slipping, falling, or breaking a bone. Some shoes are designed specifically for running, jogging, or even simple walking.
Always allow a day or two for breaks between running. This allows your joints to recover and your muscles to relax before you go on another run. This is both safe and effective for workout sessions. In fact, giving your body time to recover is good advice when it comes to working any muscle group. Pushing yourself to the limit every day using the same muscles only risks injury. Vary your workouts so you can give each muscle group time to recover. That way, you’ll get more from your running and you’ll do it safely.
Nothing is more important than keeping your body safe and healthy. Following these easy tips for protecting your joints while running will ensure that your running sessions go smoothly. Your joints will thank you in the end for going the extra mile and protecting them!