There’s nothing better than pounding the pavement after a long, stressful day, but if you’re not careful, a jog around the block could lead to serious injuries. How can you prevent hurting yourself during a run? Follow these tips from a physical therapist in Casper WY:

Stop when you feel pain.
There’s a difference between pain and soreness. The former is a sign that something is injured, while the latter indicates you are training hard and building new muscle. Contrary to popular belief, it is not wise to push through the pain during a run. If you feel actual pain, it’s recommended that you stop running and try to stretch out the sore area to see if it helps. If stretching does not alleviate the pain, call it quits.

Stay focused.
Some runners zone out during a long run so they can clear their heads and forget about how much longer they have left on the trail. This may be a great way to push yourself to go further, but it’s not wise if you want to prevent injuries. Runners should stay focused throughout the entire run so they can be mindful of their bodies. Check in with your form throughout the run and make adjustments as needed. For example, if you hear that the sound of one foot hitting the pavement is louder than the other, you may need to adjust your body to evenly distribute your weight into both sides. Here are 5 ways to focus better during your run.

Shorten your stride.
Did you know? Knee injuries are the most common type of injuries sustained by runners. One type of knee injury is caused when you extend your legs too far out as you run. When this happens, your legs take on too much stress and your knees may become injured as a result. Avoid this common injury by shortening your stride so you don’t overextend your legs.

Choose the right footwear.
If you’ve ever walked into an athletic apparel store, you’ve seen that there are different types of athletic shoes designed for every type of activity. There’s a reason for this. Runners need different support than tennis or basketball players, for example, so you will need to choose a shoe that is designed specifically for running. Try on a few to see which design is right for your feet. The right running shoes will ensure your feet get the support they need to carry you on long runs—just make sure they fit properly and won’t cause you any discomfort.

At North Platte Physical Therapy, we’re dedicated to helping clients prevent injuries, but if you are already injured, let us help you on your road to recovery. For more information, contact North Platte Physical Therapy to learn more about how we can help you live a healthier life. Our staff is praised throughout the Wyoming and Nebraska areas for our commitment to our clients. We can fulfill comprehensive physical therapy services, and would be happy to customize a treatment plan for your personal needs.