As many as 1 in 2 runners will suffer a sport-related injury every year.

For a seemingly innocuous activity, running causes its fair share of pain. There is a misconception that running is a low-impact sport; and while the trauma you sustain may not be the same as say repeated direct tackles in football, there is a constant accumulation of micro-trauma involved in running. What’s more, it tends to target the same muscles, causing overuse injury and consistently causes stress to the joints which absorb the shock of each step: in the knees, ankles and lower back. Because running has so many other healthful benefits, we want to make sure that the positives keep outweighing the negatives.

Taking a few proactive steps toward preventing running injuries helps keep you on your feet. 

• Mix up your routine: concrete is the most shocking surface for your joints. Try running on dirt, gravel or grass ever once in a while to lessen the cumulative effect of concrete on your joints. 
• Focus on cadence: ideal cadence is 180 steps per foot per minute, adjusted slightly to the individual. 
• Avoid over-striding: where does your foot strike the ground? Try to land each stride under your hips to ensure a healthy transference of force upwards through your body. You will find that this will naturally adjust you to a more upright posture. 
• Listen to your body: stop when it’s time to stop, and preferably before your joints are sending you warning signs in the form of pain signals. 

Think conservative care for running injuries

At your Bay Area Spine Care Office, we are dedicated to keeping you on the ground running. We want to help you avoid dreaded running injuries using natural modalities that keep your body balanced and your posture upright. If you are suffering from joint pain related to running, give our office in Alameda a call to schedule an appointment today. Whether you are currently recovering from an injury or are looking to improve your natural biomechanical efficiency and prevent injury from occuring, we can help you in your fitness endeavors.