Are you a runner? You’re choosing an excellent way to get moving and help not only your foot health but also your overall health. Unfortunately, there are risks for injuries. The doctors at West Hartford Podiatry Associates are here to treat patients and also help them prevent unplanned visits.

Here are three ways to reduce your risk of a running injury. Common running injuries include sprains, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures, and Achilles tendonitis.

Select the right shoes

We can’t say this enough, but proper shoe selection is the foundation for healthy and happy feet. The same goes for your running shoes. Spend time researching different brands, talk with other runners, and ask your podiatrist. The wrong pair of shoes can lack the support you need and increase your risk for a sports injury.

Stretch before you move

Whether you’re taking a quick neighborhood jog or preparing for a half-marathon, stretching is a requirement. Stretching is another effective way to prepare your body for running. It helps with flexibility and also strengthens muscles.

Stop if you feel pain

What’s one of our biggest reminders? Please don’t push through the pain. We know that enjoying a sport or training to meet a goal can be rewarding. However, pain is a sign that you should stop and schedule an appointment with your podiatrist. Pain while running could be a sign of an overuse injury, which is common for runners. It’s best to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.

We’re the foot and ankle specialists, and we’re here to help you reduce your risk of injury. If you do experience pain, you’re in the right place for a solution. At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Harvey Lederman, DPM, Marc Lederman, DPM, and Kurt Rode, DPM treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages in Hartford County. Contact us at 860-236-2564 for your foot and ankle needs. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.