Stretching the feet and ankles is essential for maintaining flexibility, strength, and injury prevention in runners. Regular stretching improves mobility, reduces strain on muscles, and enhances overall performance. A simple exercise that strengthens foot muscles involves picking up small objects, such as marbles or coins, with the toes, improving grip and control. The balancing act helps with stability by standing on one foot for several seconds, gradually increasing time to enhance ankle strength and coordination. Plantar stretching targets the arch by placing one foot against a wall with toes pointing upward while gently leaning forward to stretch the sole. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury while running, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and recommend additional running injury prevention stretches.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Grand Blanc Family Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Grand Blanc, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.