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.
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.
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?
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.
As we get older, our muscles tend to weaken naturally, and leading a sedentary lifestyle can exacerbate this issue. Strong calf muscles are particularly crucial to handle high-load forces that can occur during activities like running. Research suggests that the calf muscles may need to generate up to 9 times the body weight force during such activities. A weak calf muscle can result in muscle tears.
As runners get older, they become more susceptible to calf injuries, particularly male masters runners. David Habas, an accomplished 56-year-old endurance athlete from Lafayette, Cal., has completed numerous events, including an Ironman triathlon, three marathons, and ten half-marathons, but has had to deal with injuries that have hindered his ability to continue competing.
Running is a popular exercise, but it can take a toll on your body. One of the most common problems runners encounter is Achilles tendon pain, which can be frustrating and uncomfortable. It is essential to understand this type of injury and learn how to prevent it from interfering with your performance.
While training for a marathon, getting into trail running or tackling a first 5k, we often hear about the high injury rates and understand that there is a possibility of getting injured. We anticipate typical injuries such as a runner's knee or Achilles tendonitis, but what if our pain doesn't seem to fit any of the common categories? What if the sore spot and tender area don't match any running injuries we've heard about before? Peroneal tendinitis is one such condition, and although it's not as common as other types of tendon pain, it's still frustrating, especially when we can't pinpoint the exact source of the pain.
A new study challenges the widely-held belief that running can lead to hip or knee osteoarthritis, a condition that affects over 32 million Americans. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that causes pain, stiffness, and disability as cartilage cushioning the bones wears down. Once it is damaged, cartilage cannot regenerate.
Are you a runner who has experienced sore quads and difficulty activating your glutes during long, flat runs? If so, you may be a victim of quad-dominant running. While this issue is fixable with the right changes to your form, there is some confusion when it comes to the advice given for weightlifting versus running.