While running comes naturally to so many people, there is also technique involved. Different techniques and guides are used for running for fitness, running a marathon, and running because you love to run. However, you run, you need to be careful of injuries.

You can get injured in so many ways if you are not careful. The most common injuries occur as the result of over training and improper technique. However, even the best runner can have an accident and sustain an injury.

The best way to treat a running injury is by proper identification and proper treatment. Still, the best treatment is prevention. Therefore, you need to learn how to avoid the injury before it occurs.

#1 Focus on Your Body -

Focus on how your body is reacting to the run. Even the most experienced runners can have off days. It is better not to push it than to get injured. Here are some signs you need to watch because they will let you know when it is time to slow down or stop:

" If you begin to have difficulties breathing, then you need to slow down.

" If you begin feeling pain, then stop and determine what is causing the pain.

" If the pain continues after stopping, then seek medical attention.

#2 Do Not Rush the Run -

It is very common for new runners and experienced runners to increase the run too fast. Increasing the intensity more than 10% a week can lead to injury. It is far better to slowly increase the level of the run over a period of time than to injure yourself and have to sit out for a few weeks.

#3 Do Not Skip the Warm Up or the Cool Down -

Every running magazine, fitness book, and trainer will tell you to warm up and cool down. Yet people still want to skip this vital step. You must loosen up the muscles prior to running with a good warm up to prevent injury. By the same token, you need to spend time cooling down as well. The cool down is an essential tool to prevent cramps and other basic injuries.

#4 Purchase Proper Equipment -

First, a proper pair of running shoes will prevent many injuries. However, you need to replace your running shoes at approximately every 300 to 400 miles run. Many runners like having two sets of shoes to alternate between, which means your shoes will last twice as long.

You cannot stop at just shoes though. Many runners run in the early morning or in the evening. If you do, then you will want to invest in a reflective vest. The vests are lightweight and they will go a long way in helping cars see you running.

Seeking Medical Help -

The chances are good that at some point you will receive a running related injury. It may be minor or severe but you will need to prepare for such occasion. While you may consider going to a medical doctor, you might be better off seeing a chiropractor familiar with sports injuries. Chiropractors can help with adjustments, physical therapy, massage therapy and can even offer nutritional counseling.

HealthSource would like to present you with a limited time complimentary consultation, a $179.00 value. To Find the closest chiropractic office near you, go to http://HealthSourceofToledoSouthWest.com or call 1-888-977-6734 today.