Thursday, March 4, 2010

How to Determine if Your Running Shoes are Causing You Pain

The most simple and the common method to keep yourself healthy and fit is running. But, developing pain when running is also easily caused by participating in this sport. Hips, knees, ankles, and feet injuries take place commonly during and after running. Sometimes the pressure of running is harsh on the muscles and joints; this is especially true when you ignore early warning signs of an injury. Prevention of the pain when running is a great way to continue running injury free.

The following tips can be used to prevent running injuries.

Running injuries are increased due to wearing of old or worn out shoes. Shoes tend to lose stability and shock absorption capacity over a period of time. The pressure and force to the feet and legs are increased to a huge extent due to this. Replacing worn out running shoes is the best and and most simple way to prevent this injury. The cushioning and stability is provided by the midsole layer of the shoe. Before the outsole shows major signs of wear, this area commonly wears out. The functional stability of the shoe is lost when the midsole is worn out. Increase in stress and increase in risk of injury is caused due to loss of stability and cushioning.

Chance of injury also depends on your running style, body weight, and on the surface of which you are running. On this basis, the recommendation is done that you replace your running shoes between 350-550 miles.

Runners who are heavier are harder on shoes. The recommendation for replacement shoes should be considered close to 300 miles. Whereas runners who are lighter are recommended that they replace their show closer to 400 miles.

Replacement Tips for running shoes

Mileage should be tracked. A new pair of shoes is to be bought after 300-500 miles. Runners have to replace their shoes after every three to four months. To determine if the sole is worn out, put your shoes on the table and look at the back to see if the sole is still stable. The midsole cushioning is also mostly worn out provided the soles are worn and bending to one side. Before the tread shows any signs of wear, the midsole cushioning of the shoe may have been worn out long back.