Running to a Hip Injury

Running has become one of the most popular forms of exercise for people across the country, as it is an easy way to burn calories and stay healthy.

Still, it is important understand that there are some risks that come with running too much, especially when it comes to the health of your joints. I know we said hip in the title but the truth is running affects your joints from the hip down.

How Running Can Cause Joint Injuries

Running, especially on hard surfaces, can be detrimental to a variety of joints because it causes them to wear down faster.

In runners, injuries to the hips, knees, ankles, toes, and the back are most common. When people run, their joints are strained at much higher pressures than they are during normal activities. When people regularly run long distances, the strain can build up, resulting in cartilage and tendon damage to the runner.

A number of factors can cause running injuries. As arthritis is a hereditary condition, those experiencing it can suffer from symptoms earlier and more extreme as a result of running. In addition, those who are overweight put extra stress on their joints, leading them to fail more quickly.

If running is part of your normal exercise routine, it is vital that take the time to care for any injuries you experience. Swelling and joint pain can be dull at first, but continuing to run through the pain can frequently lead to more significant injuries. If your joints are locking or catching, you should also ease up on your running routine to give your joints some time to heal.

Avoiding Running Injuries

There are a few things you can do to stop injuries from occurring in the first place.

The first thing to do is make sure you are replacing your footwear regularly. Sometimes, it can feel tempting to wait until your soles have completely worn out and you can see your toes poking through the holes that have grown bigger over time. Don’t wait until your shoes are totally broken down before you get a new pair of running shoes. Keep in mind that your foot size can change over time, so be sure to measure your fit each time you are in the store and choose a pair that fits the first time you try it on.

In addition, stretching is a huge part of staying healthy while running. Each time you go out for a run, do a short warm-up exercise first.

Then, do a series of static stretches. Holding the stretch is far more effective than bouncing in your stretches, as doing the latter can result in muscle injuries. It pays to

take some time to stretch every time you run, and be sure to include another stretching session after your run is finished.

You might also think about including some cross-training in your exercise routines. Running all of the time can cause muscles to get injured faster and joints to wear down more. Balancing out your exercises can help you build up muscles in other areas of your body for better overall fitness, and low-impact exercises like swimming can be a good reprieve for your feet.

Don”t get to the point where you need a hip or knee replacement.

Surgeon’s Advice | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119