Tips to Prevent Injuries When Running This Summer

running outsideSummer’s here, the weather is gorgeous, and you may be thinking about going for a run to take advantage of the longer days and beauty of the outdoors. But whether you’re just getting started as a runner, or you’re a seasoned marathon participant, injuries while running are highly possible. If you’ve been browsing medical supplies in Boca Raton, you may have noticed items like shin splints and other aids to help prevent stress fractures. Here are some other tips that will help prevent running-related injuries this summer.

Get to Know Your Limits

For many, they keep running out of passion or determination but actually should’ve stopped miles ago. That threshold could be 10 miles a week or 50, but every runner is different and you need to know how much is too much. Your body has to get used to changes in training, intensity and jumps in mileage or eyou risk self-inflicted injury.

Strength Training, Especially In the Hips, Is Your Friend

Strength training helps keep your body properly aligned when running, especially if you pay close attention to hip muscles. Knee injuries can be largely prevented, as working the hips increases leg stability all the way down to your ankles.

RICE is More Than the “I”

If you get hurt when running, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) is the go-to treatment. A common mistake runners make is focusing only on the icing part, and going back to running before giving the tissue time to heal. Elevate the injured area if you can, on a chair or ottoman, and take a few days off from running if you severely hurt your ankle or hamstring. ACE bandages are effective at reducing inflammation and help relieve pain when you return to running after recovery.

MAR-J has everything today’s runner needs for recovering from running-related injuries. Call us today with any questions you may have about our medical supply inventory.