Army Research says Foot Strike does not impact Injury Rate for Runners

running injuriesA recent study performed by the U.S. Army looked at injury rates among soldiers who used different foot striking methods when running.  The heel-strike, where the runner lands on the heel then transfers weight to the toe, is typically the recommended method.  However, the study found no higher incidence of injuries among runners who did not use the heel-strike method.

Researchers filmed 1,027 men and women in the army during a two-mile run.  Each participant was categorized as a heel-striker or non-heel-striker, and asked about injuries sustained over the last twelve months.

Even though it didn’t produce fewer injuries, heel-strike running seemed to yield more speed.  The soldiers’ times for the two-mile run were recorded, and heel-strike runners averaged 12 seconds faster among men and 35 seconds faster among women.

Running injuries are common for soldiers and civilians alike. If you are suffering from pain in the heel or foot, see podiatrist Dr. Jeffrey Conforti of New Jersey. Dr. Conforti will provide quality treatment and the care that you need. 

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. Runner’s knee usually is treated with strengthening exercises focusing on the quad muscles and sports orthotic. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned. Physical therapy can help you learn the best exercises to heal runner’s knee.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?

- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices, located in Paramus, NJ. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Read more about Preventing Running Injuries

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