Don't Let Running Kill Your Joints
Running is an excellent form of exercise. Running can help you burn calories and keep your heart healthy, making you feel better all around. However, if you aren't taking the right precautions, running can also do a number on the joints in your knees. Joint damage can cause discomfort, mobility issues and may even require surgery to correct. Learning how to protect yourself is important:
Follow A Healthy Diet
What you eat can also serve as a form of protection for your joints. There's no way to avoid it. You need nutrients to keep your joints healthy. It's a good idea to begin with antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight off and eliminate free radicals. Free radicals don't just cause discomfort in your joints, but they can also weaken your joints, making them more prone to injury.
Foods with high levels of Vitamin A, such as cooked carrots, sweet potatoes and kale are good. It's also a good idea to consume foods with high levels of Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes and broccoli.
Wear Appropriate Shoes
The shoes you wear also has an impact on your joints. First, make certain the shoe fits you properly. For example, if you have narrow feet, wearing a wide, athletic shoe may cause your foot to move around while running. This places stress on your knees, increasing your injury risk. It's also important to wear shoes that have firm midsoles to avoid overpronation.
Overpronation is a problem that causes your lower leg and knee to turn inward each time your feet hit the ground when you're running. This condition doesn't just cause pain, but it also strains your knees. A firm midsole will help prevent this from occurring.
Add Variety
Even with the right precautions, running frequently inherently places you at an increased risk of knee joint injury. While you don't have to give up running, it's a good idea to add variety to your exercise routine. For example, if you run five days a week, consider running only three days a week and doing another activity on the other two days.
If you aren't really a gym buff and prefer to workout outside, consider brisk walking. You should also consider cycling. Since cycling isn't weight bearing, it's better for your knees. Adding variety doesn't just help preserve your knee joints, but all the joints in your legs.
Make certain you are taking the necessary precautions to protect your knees and avoid. To learn more, contact a company like Richmond Orthopedic Associate Inc. with any questions you have.
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