Yoga Stretches can help prevent Running Injuries

Yoga Stretches can help prevent Running Injuries

stretching.jpgTo prevent running injuries and foot pain, runners will often invest in quality shoes and try to follow a training schedule. Injury prevention, however, also involves performing stretches. Yoga stretches such as the hero pose, kneeling tow squat, and garland pose can help reduce a runner’s risk for plantar fasciitis, one of the most common running injuries. The hero pose involves kneeling on the floor with your knees and ankles about hip-width apart while pushing your bottom and the tops of your feet towards the ground. The kneeling tow squat involves kneeling on the floor with the knees, ankles and feet together while trying to tuck the toes under, grounding onto the floor. The garland pose involves beginning in a mountain pose with the feet hip width apart and squatting.

Stretching the feet is an important part of maintaining optimal foot health. To learn more, consult with Dr. Alan Discont, D.P.M. of Family Foot and Ankle Care. Dr. Discont will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Stretching Your Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits such as increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief. Stretching is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone who is experiencing foot pain or is constantly on their feet should stretch.

Good ways to stretch your feet are:

  • Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pulling your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
  • Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
  • Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

If you have any questions, please contact our office in Chandler, AZ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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