This past Saturday, some of our area’s runners were out for the 7th Annual Trail Run in Poricy Park in Middletown. This event was held in cooperation with the Jersey Shore Running Club. The JSRC is a great organization that unites the runners in our community both for social and philanthropic purposes. The club often raises money to benefit a number of local charities and other worthwhile causes.
As both a runner and as a the director of a rehabilitation center, I’d like to offer some of our Jersey Shore runners a few tips for avoiding running-related sports injuries. Sports injuries are usually related to trauma caused by repetitive motion; running is no exception. Speaking very generally, running injuries usually affect the knees, the lower leg, the tendons (tendonitis), the feet, and ankles. Let’s take a look at some preventive measures:
- Shoes: It’s important to ensure that you are not only wearing the correct type of shoe, but that you keep your shoes in good condition. It’s also necessary to replace shoes once they begin to wear out—running in worn-out shoes can be dangerous. You can determine what type of shoe you need by going in for a proper evaluation at a specialist running shop.
- Training: Don’t be a hero during training. Increase your mileage slowly (the standard is generally a 10% increase every week). Some people find it helpful to use a journal to keep track of how much they have run, in what conditions, etc.
- Building Core Strength: Your ‘core’ muscles are located along the length of the
body’s trunk and torso. They are necessary for providing a base of support to stabilize the spine, shoulders, and pelvis. When core muscles are strengthened, the body’s extremities can move more powerfully.
When sports injuries do occur, however, it’s important not only to seek treatment as soon as possible, but also to find the right type of care.
Sports Injuries and Pain Management in Middletown, NJ
At Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center, patients undergo a program of pain management and rehabilitation that is designed for their specific injury and physical condition. This process begins by meeting with our Medical Director, a specialist in pain management and disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
After a full diagnosis has been made to assess your exact sports injury, most doctors might send you to a physical therapy center. They might also recommend the use of acupuncture for pain management, or chiropractic care for certain injuries. At Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center, we have incorporated all of these treatment options in one location. This makes the pain management process less stressful and more effective for our patients.
Our rehabilitation programs usually have several basic goals in common: to heal injuries, reduce pain, and improve strength, flexibility, and movement. The type of care you find with us focuses on avoiding surgery and excessive drug use. When sports injuries cause debilitating pain (pain that restricts the ability to heal), our pain management specialist may incorporate a number of pain-reducing strategies—including injections of a long-lasting steroid or anesthetic numbing agent.
To learn more about pain management in Middletown NJ, feel free to contact our office. We are prepared to treat not only sports injuries, but also auto accident injuries, back and neck pain, sciatica, disc problems, and many other conditions.
