From the office of Ann Arbor Chiropractor Mike Tannenbaum, D.C.

Spring is upon us and that means more people are going begin running for exercise and fun! While running can improve health, many people are injured from running. Some common running induced ailments are runners knee/iliotibial band syndrome, planter fascitis, and shin splints. Because running injuries are so common, I thought it would be prudent to list here some running injury preventive measures.

Proper running shoes are very important. Make sure you go to a running shoe store whose sales people are knowledgeable in the proper fitting of running shoes. Make sure the shoes you buy fit you relative to any foot conditions you might have, your running style and the conditions(s) you run in. You may even want to talk to a podiatrist about the best running shoe for you.

Once running, if you haven’t been running regularly, start your running regiment with relatively short runs and then work up from there. Also, begin your running regime with relatively slow paced running and after you acclimate to that speed pick up the pace for future runs.

Make sure to stretch lightly before you run and more strenuosley after the run. After the run you should do a full body stretch with emphasis on your core, legs, ankles and feet. Don't forget to stretch you achilles tendons.

You should make sure you are regularly visiting a chiropractor so that you body structure is even/balanced and the joints are in proper alignment. This will prevent undue stress on the joints that can lead to injuries. If your are contemplating running, but you are feeling pain in your back, pelvis, neck or feet, etc., you should go to a chiropractor for treatment before beginning your running regime so that you don't further injure yourself.

Make sure to drink enough water to prevent dehydration.