Why are running injuries so prevalent?

Running is a seemingly innocuous activity, but as many as 1 in 2 runners will incur an injury in a given year. The jarring nature of the sport does take its toll on our joints but a significant amount of injuries can be avoided by applying proper technique and common sense. A large part of the problem begins with a lack of variety: if you are doing the same run every day you are going to create a surplus of stress on certain parts of the body while other parts will suffer from lack of use. Mix up your running routine and try these other tips to keep yourself injury free:

Protect your body while running 

• Running surfaces: to combat the monotony and degradation that results from running on concrete, try running on other less abrasive surfaces.
• Pace yourself to determine your ideal cadence: How many times does each foot strike the ground? Optimal cadence is often found around 180 steps (per foot) per minute. 
• Adjust when over-striding: A long stride means you strike the ground ahead of your body with your heel. Try to land each step underneath your hips. This is a more efficient way of running that will help distribute forces evenly, contribute to better posture and keep you going for longer.

Chiropractic contributes to good mechanics when running 

Posture is another important aspect of running, with an emphasis placed on staying upright, no matter how tired you are. At Holmes Chiropractic, we have years of experience helping runners overcome pain and get back on track. Whether you are nursing an acute injury or looking to improve your body mechanics and become a more efficient runner with less chance of injury, give our office in Houston a call to schedule an appointment today.