When you experience knee pain from running, you can benefit from mixing up the surfaces you use; and there are a number of options. By combining your own efforts in switching between surfaces with comprehensive non-surgical knee pain treatment in Orlando, you can recover quickly and get back to a full stride.
A Blend of Surfaces Is Ideal
Runners have often thought that they should avoid pavement and run on softer ground to prevent injuries and alleviate knee pain. This typical recommendation was called into question when a professor was hurt based on the advice. Dr. Hirofumi Tanaka, a University of Texas exercise physiologist, twisted his ankle on soft ground, prompting a debate among national experts. Studies show that hard surfaces will deliver more force to your joints. However, there is no evidence that you are likelier to become injured or experience greater knee pain from running on hard surfaces.
Since the idea of favoring soft over hard surfaces has been called into question for injury prevention and knee pain relief, it is best to diversify and run on a blend of surfaces. Daniel Ferris, PhD, a University of Michigan professor of movement science, noted that you can distribute the stress throughout your body by running on roads one day and trails the next.
While variety may be best for getting your legs stronger, you still want to be careful about switching to new surfaces. Plus, when you are nearing a race, you will best prevent injury by increasing the amount that you are running on the race surface.
Assessing different running surfaces
Here are considerations for some of the common surfaces you might be able to use for running:
- Grass – If you are recovering from breaking a bone, grass is a good option. However, it can also lead to issues. Beyond the possibility of an ankle injury, those suffering from plantar fasciitis may overpronate on grass, stressing the plantar fascia ligament.
- Trail – Trails can be a good choice if you have experienced shin splints, iliotibial-band syndrome (ITBS), or runner’s knee. Avoid them if you have ever sprained your ankle.
- Sand – Running on the beach is not the best option. The lack of stability can lead to twisting of the hip, knee, or ankle. Make sure that it is hard-packed if you do run on sand.
- Asphalt – Choose the sidewalk whenever you can. If you must run on the road, face traffic (i.e., run against rather than with it). Only keep one earbud in your ears if you wear headphones.
- Track – With a track, you get away from traffic and onto another flat surface. There is no need to look out for curbs or roots.
- Treadmill – Treadmills, like tracks, are clear of traffic and rough terrain. Do not use treadmills exclusively though, since you cannot seamlessly adjust your pace as you can outside.
Non-surgical knee pain treatment in Orlando
Running may be exhausting, but it should not cause you pain. By diversifying surfaces and integrating non-surgical treatments, you can achieve knee pain relief. At ViscoGen, we offer KneeVisc 5®, which is a fully comprehensive treatment plan that helps eliminate chronic knee pain without surgery.
