Joint health should be a concern for everyone. However, it is especially important for runners. Injury prevention is a very serious issue for those who run regularly, especially those who are in training for a particular race or event. At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville we offer and sports medicine patients in southeast Ohio some very basic tips for running, which can help prevent injuries and keep you going for miles.

1. Wear running shoes that offer the correct support and cushioning. Specialty running stores can look at the way you walk and recommend the right brand for you. It also is important to remember if you run or walk regularly, you will need to replace your shoes every 350-550 miles.
2. Not all surfaces have the same impact. Vary your running location because of the different impacts involved and the stresses that may affect and strengthen your joints differently.
3. Eat well. Stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables and plenty of water. Eating healthy and keeping your body hydrated can aid the recovery process as well as prevent any long-term damage caused by injury.
4. Stretching regularly also can help runners to avoid injuries. One worthwhile recommendation for stretching is to stretch during and after a run. Too many runners don’t take the time to stretch out throughout their routines; it is crucial for injury prevention.
5. Start slow. Runners can prevent injuries by avoiding doing too much mileage too quickly. Aim to make mileage increases as gradual as possible and try to limit yourself to an increase of no more than 10 percent per week to avoid injuries.

Running is a great way to stay fit and keep your body healthy and strong. These tips help runners avoid painful injuries and potentially long recovery periods. OAZ encourages all runners to take safety precautions seriously and keep at it! If you are seeking sports medicine or physical therapy in southeast Ohio, contact us at 740-454-3273 .

Tags: Columbus Ohio Sports Medicine, Ohio Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy Columbus Ohio, Physical Therapy Zanesville Ohio, Sports Medicine Zanesville Ohio, Zanesville ohio physical therapy