Ask the Doctor: How Can I Prevent Injury This Fall? Maintain
good strength and address concerns early Question: What is the
best way to prevent any type of injury? Right now I am doing
core twice a week and stretching before and after runs, but I
still have nagging injuries throughout the year. Right now I am
near the end of cross country season, and some of my biggest
races are coming up. Is there anything else I can do to prevent
them? -- Brandon, Texas Answer: There are 2 main types of sports
injuries. Acute injuries such as sprains, are due to a sudden
force (i.e. stepping in a hole). These injuries are more common
in trail and cross country races. Good strength and balance may
decrease the likelihood of an acute injury. The more common type
of injury in runners is overuse, as the result of repetitive
micro trauma. Any area of weakness increases the risk of injury
at that site. Persistent pain is usually indicative of an
injury, such as tendinitis or a stress fracture. Evaluation by a
sports medicine prof