Stress fractures are a common overuse injury that athletes, particularly runners, may experience. These injuries occur as a result of repetitive force to a bone over time, rather than a sudden, traumatic event. The bones of the lower limb, including the feet, legs, and hips, are particularly prone to stress fractures. Certain risk factors can contribute to the development of stress fractures, including increasing training volume too quickly, changing footwear or running surfaces, poor nutrition, prior bone injuries, low BMI, menstrual irregularity, health conditions that reduce bone density, poor biomechanics, and certain running techniques.
Stress fractures can be a major setback for runners, causing pain and preventing them from running for months. Although blisters and chafing are common annoyances for runners, stress fractures are a more serious injury. But what exactly is a stress fracture, and how can runners prevent them?
If you're a runner, you've probably heard terms like "interval training," "speed work," and "repetitions" thrown around. But do you really understand what they mean and how to incorporate them into your training program? This article aims to provide a basic understanding of these concepts and the potential risks associated with them.
Runner's knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, is a prevalent condition that affects the articulation between the kneecap and the thigh bone. While it is commonly associated with runners, it can also impact athletes in other sports, such as tennis. The term runner's knee is often used broadly to describe knee pain resulting from various knee issues.
Going barefoot allows you to feel where your foot lands relative to your center of mass, which muscles are activated, and whether you're maintaining your arch. Short periods of barefoot running can provide enough stimulation to recognize these imbalances and work to correct them.
When it comes to running, having strong and healthy legs is essential. But what you might not know is that squatting is one of the most effective ways to keep your legs and glutes strong. Although it can be challenging to trade a run day for strength training, the benefits of squatting for runners outweigh the cost of skipping a run. In this article, experts break down the advantages of squats and provide guidance on proper squat form.
Ultramarathons are among the most extreme endurance events globally, pushing runners to their physical and mental limits. These races often span hundreds of miles and last for days, requiring participants to navigate challenging terrain, battle exhaustion, and overcome unpredictable weather and wildlife.
Are you looking for ways to improve your performance, reduce injury risk, and boost your energy levels? Chronic inflammation could be the culprit. But fear not, sports dietitian Teri Lichtenstein suggests incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet to help you feel better and perform at your best. Research has shown that a diet rich in antioxidants and fiber can help reduce inflammation.
Running is an excellent form of exercise, but it can take a toll on your lower back if you don't take proper care of your body. The lower back plays a crucial role in maintaining an upright posture, but weaknesses in the core muscles, hips, glutes, and hamstrings can cause discomfort, pain, and spasms, putting runners at risk of injuries that can slow down progress.
Recent studies have shown that running shoes may actually be doing us more harm than good. A new review has suggested that wearing shoes changes the way we run, weakening the foot and increasing the likelihood of sports injuries. In fact, between 35 and 50% of runners are injured at any one time, with the most common injuries being to the knees, shins, ankles, and feet.
