Running | BetterBraces.com Blog

Jogging Injuries – They’re More Common Than You Think!

Posted on March 22, 2013 by admin

Holly B. is an active professional in her late twenties who spends her free time playing recreational flag football and league basketball. She shares her experience with us as she explores the world of sports.

Recently, I’ve had several friends pick up marathon running as a hobby. They are all fairly active in other sports as well. But strangely enough, it’s the jogging that’s starting to give them issues with injuries. Many joggers experience injuries in the first 4-6 months of running. Risk of injuries increase as the distance and speed are increased as well.

Here’s some of the jogging injuries they’re starting to experience now:

Runner’s Knee – Also known as patellofemoral pain, runner’s knee is caused from repetitive bending of the knee. That’s why it’s common in runners, but it can also occur in other physical activities and sports as well. The pain occurs behind the kneecap and can make it aggravating to continue running. Check out some knee braces that help prevent runner’s knee.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITB or ITBS) – ITBS is another common injury in runners, which one of my friends is experiencing now. The iliotibial band connects from the hip all the way down to the shin. When it gets inflamed is when runners and other athletes start to experience pain in the knee. It can sometimes be prevented with better shoes and running techniques, as well as wearing knee braces for Iliotibial Band Syndrome.

Ankle Instability – Another one of my friends is experiencing ankle pain and instability since picking up jogging. Because of the repetitive nature of the activity, and also the recurring force against a hard surface, jogging can cause old ankle injuries to come back full force. Athletes need to train carefully in order to make sure prior injuries don’t come back to haunt them from jogging. Check out some braces for ankle instability.

If you’re a jogger and you’re experiencing injuries, check with your doctor to determine the appropriate treatment for your situation. Don’t get fooled by the simple nature of jogging – make sure you protect yourself by wearing the appropriate gear and take the time to properly ramp up your training regiment!

Runner’s Knee: It Really Does Affect Runners

Posted on October 22, 2012 by admin

My friend Sandy has always been an athlete. She played high school basketball and she is also the quarterback on my flag football team and in the same recreational basketball league as me. Sandy has been relatively injury-free… maybe a couple minor ankle sprains or shoulder tendonitis over the years, until recently. The activity that has really started taking a toll on her body is running.

Sandy recently started getting in to marathons and regularly scheduled jogs around the neighborhood. She started feeling pain in her left knee. It got bad enough that she decided to see her doctor, who diagnosed it as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), also known as Runner’s Knee.

Luckily, there are knee braces for runner’s knee which may help reduce the symptoms. PFPS knee braces help by applying pressure to the knee and also by “lifting” the kneecap in to proper position during athletic activities, such as running.

Sandy’s still resting and healing, but when she starts activity again she’ll be wearing a knee brace for runner’s knee to help alleviate her patellofemoral pain.

Ankle Braces for Running

Posted on May 4, 2012 by admin

One of the things I enjoy with my friends is participating in various athletic activities, from flag football to ultimate frisbee or even a simple weekly “boot camp” where we run and workout together. We recently started doing the Warrior Dash each Spring, which is a 5k run that involves obstacles along the course.

One of my friends Fiona has had previous ankle sprains and other injuries to her left foot. The course we were on last year was relatively flat, so she decided to do the 5k without her ankle brace. As luck would have it, she didn’t encounter any trouble while running. But she did jump off one of the obstacles and her ankle gave out as it hit the ground. Doh!

Her biggest regret after that incident was that she wasn’t wearing her ankle brace. She didn’t think the flat course would cause her any issues so she had decided to go without. I knew exactly how she felt because I did the same thing several months before when I didn’t wear my knee brace during flag football. One thing I realize now is that during any physical activity, you never know what you might encounter. You could step on uneven ground, slip over rocks or even just turn your leg in a way that causes unnatural movement. Any of these things can cause strain, sprains or ligament tears.

BetterBraces.com offers several running ankle braces that are ideal for protecting the ankles during physical activities. Fiona’s concern was probably that the ankle brace would feel restrictive or inhibit movement while she climbed the obstacles. These ankle braces are designed for maximum comfort and protection:

Aircast A60 Ankle Brace – stabilizes the ankle at its weakest point to help prevent ankle sprains and other injuries. It’s perfect for runners because it’s comfortable to wear even in your regular shoes.

Aircast Airheel Ankle Brace – helps support the arch of the foot and minimizes ankle strain and plantar fasciitis from physical activities.

DonJoy Double Strap Ankle Wrap – provides low profile and non-bulky ankle support, arch support and gentle compressive stabilization while running.

Check these ankle supports out today and keep your joints healthy while you have fun!

Braces for Marathon Runners

Posted on March 26, 2012 by admin

March is the perfect time for marathon season – the weather is not too hot and not too cold. Though the season is just starting, marathon participants have been training for months on end. The day of the marathon is the culmination of determination and many hours of hard work.

Even though marathon running is a non-contact sport, it can be a strain on our bodies. The repeated impact of our shoes on the pavement can cause knee pain or ankle strain. Here are some things you can do to combat these common marathon injuries:

Stretch before and after working out (you may even want to stretch, warm up, then stretch some more before diving into training)
If you’ve experienced knee pain, consider wearing knee braces for running. The knee absorbs much of the shock of our feet hitting the pavement. A knee brace can help alleviate some of this pressure on the structures of the knee.
If your ankles are prone to injury, wear ankle braces for added stability. This may help you avoid ankle rollover injuries, especially during a misplaced step or running over uneven pavement.
Check your shoes and ensure that they’re the proper fit and not worn out.
Make sure you train before the marathon… don’t just jump in cold turkey!

Marathon running is an incredible accomplishment. Just make sure to stay safe and healthy while you’re out there!

Quick Tips to Prevent Injuries in Runners

Posted on December 23, 2011 by admin

Running is a popular way for people to stay in shape. It’s easy to do, and you don’t even need a gym membership. Unfortunately, people don’t realize that running can be tough on your body. It’s not as low-impact as you may think. Here are some ways to avoid joint pain and injuries from running:

Warm up with a brisk walk for about a quarter mile to half mile before you start your run.
Stretch before and after running.
Run on soft surfaces. If there is a track nearby, it’s much better for your knees than running on concrete surfaces. (Note: If running on a track, make sure to change directions often since you’re running in a circle.)
Wear knee braces for running to help give extra support to your knees. If you have had ankle sprains or injuries in the past, you may want to use ankle braces as well.
Wear proper shoes. Replace them when the inside or outside of the sole wears down.

These simple tips can help protect your joints from pain when running. If you do experience leg or back pain after running, reduce the amount of running or take a few days off. If pain persists, check with your doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms.