Running on hard surfaces likely to cause injuries

Running is routine for few but a passion for some. Running gives you advantages like strengthening of Heart and Lungs and burning calories to help you maintain your health.

Every rose has a thorn, running is no exceptional. It can put repetitive strain on your body, starting from your feet all the way to your lower back, and can cause aches and pains. This can be especially true if you run on hard surfaces, such as concrete. We generally blame the shoes, if we suffer problem from running (after or during). Shoes are the main equipment for running activities or for any other sports. But we should know that shoes are not the only matter every time, when it comes to running injuries. It may be caused by running on hard also.

Continuously striking of feet to the ground can give impact through your feet to your knees, hip and lower back. If you run for a long time on a hard surface chances of injuries go further high. Hard surface run can lead to inflammation like Achilles tendonitis,( a condition where the tendon that connects the heel bone to lower leg becomes inflamed, causing heel pain), inflammation of the tendons and muscles in the front and outside of the leg, the knees cap and the lower leg bone, or tibia. Sometimes repetitive impact also can lead to stress fractures in the small bones of the foot or ankle, which can ultimately result in breakage.

If you are getting pain while or after running, take rest and apply ice packs the affected area said by Dr Anil Arora. You may take some anti-inflammatory medication. Rest Better option is to run on treadmill, indoor track or gym floor built to absorb shock. Purchasing new shoes with supportive heel or heel pad also may help your foot better absorb shock from hard surfaces. One can also add an additional silicon insole nowadays available in the market.

According to Dr Arora, Head of unit and lead consultant department of Orthopedics, Max Super Speciality hospital, if you continue to experience pain while running on hard surfaces after two to three weeks of home treatment, see your doctor. Pain that seems to be getting worse or developing additional symptoms also can indicate the need to see an orthopedician. He can evaluate you to ensure your pain is not because of an underlying condition that must be treated using medications, physical therapy or surgery.

Do appropriate warm up before workout. Emphasize on knee strengthening. Doing knee extension also helps to take care of other body parts!