Thursday, January 10, 2013

Run on a Treadmill, or Not?

It is the start of a new year!  Whether you are a seasoned runner or a beginner ready to get your feet wet, the decision whether to get outside or stick to a treadmill can be tricky. Bad weather can make the first option less than desirable but many people question the effectiveness and safety of a treadmill.

Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot and ankle specialist in Troy, NY treats many athletes and sports enthusiast. The bottom line for all runners is foot health and injuries can happen whether you are pounding the pavement or the…belt. Running on a treadmill definitely comes with some advantages. The conveyor belt on a treadmill provides a softer surface that absorbs some of the shock from your feet. This can help prevent some of the injuries that may arise from feet constantly hitting the hard concrete outside.

Changing the incline or pace at the touch of a finger is a great reason to run on a treadmill. You can ease up or push harder depending on what kind of challenge you want. You can also set yourself up in front of the TV, watch a favorite show and be in the comfort of your home.

On the other hand, a treadmill can be hard on the pocket book and a space hog in a tight place. It also does not provide a runner training for any type of a race with the right kind of running needed to properly train. If you are going to race outside, you need to train outside for optimal success.

Whichever you choose, make sure to wear appropriate footwear and have any foot pain or injury treated as soon as possible. Any running or training can be halted when a foot problem is ignored. Call our podiatric office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment or visit us at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.
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