Show Your Running Knees Some Love


Updated 12/06/11 11:19 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 4 comments

How Runners Prevent Knee Pain

Running as a convenient form of cardio may be the bee's knees, but it can leave my knees aching. Although studies have found there is no connection between running and an increased risk for arthritis, here are some easy ways to show your knees some love. Stay flexible: Tight hamstrings or quads can prevent the knee from going through its full range of motion, which can negatively impact the Read more

Gear Review: DoD Fitness Tools


Updated 07/06/11 6:07 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

Workout Equipment That Reduces Joint Pain

Tightness in the wrists, a kink in the neck, and discomfort in the knees — these pains can disrupt a great workout, interfering with the benefits of toning exercises or yoga poses. DoD Fitness (the acronym stands for Do or Die) created a line of foamy products to help reduce discomfort in the wrists, neck, and knees during poses that typically strain these areas. We tried the Set of All Three Read more

Listen to Your Running


Updated 12/03/11 9:55 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Uneven Running and Hard Foot Strike Can Lead to Overuse Injuries in Running

Now that the weather is taking a slow turn toward lovely, I am all about running outside. But before you leave the treadmill behind for good this Spring, I suggest you listen to your running. Ditching the headphones for your indoor workout and using your ears to learn about your running gait could save you from developing overuse injuries. On your self-diagnostic run, you want to listen for two Read more

ITB Relief: Stretch Your Booty


Updated 04/17/12 12:43 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 1 comment

Stretches to Help Relieve Knee Pain

The iliotibial band (aka ITB or IT band) runs down the outside of your upper leg and if you run or bike this band of fascia can get tight. So tight it can pull your kneecap out of alignment causing a world of pain. Aside from working the tight IT band with a foam roller it's a good idea to stretch your glutes. The iliotibial band and the glute max, the biggest of the booty muscles, are connected. Read more

Dear IT Band: You're Driving Me Crazy


Updated 10/19/10 10:00 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 13 comments

Ways to Help and Prevent IT Band Syndrome

If you're a runner, even just casually, this story may be familiar. After a few weeks of running, usually outdoors, maybe with a few hills, you start to feel a sharp pain on the outside of your knee. The weirdest part: it happens when you're running downhill, and walking down stairs. You may also experience pain radiating the length of your IT band all the way up to your hip. After a visit to my Read more

Hike the Hill: Preventing Knee Pain


Updated 10/27/09 9:00 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 1 comment

Hike the Hill: Preventing Knee Pain

Fall is the perfect time to hike. There's a cool breeze, the fallen leaves make the trail even softer, and once you reach the pinnacle, you'll be amazed at the gorgeous foliage across the horizon. I love to try out new mountain trails, but find that the steep inclines and declines can be really hard on my knees. If this sounds familiar, don't let achy knees keep you off the trail. Here are some Read more

Fit Tip: Got Knee Pain? Run Downhill Backwards


Updated 10/21/08 11:38 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 15 comments

Fit Tip: Got Knee Pain? Run Downhill Backwards

If you love to run but hate running downhill because of knee pain, give this technique a try. Run downhill backwards to take pressure off your knees. Step slowly and with control to avoid smacking your feet down, which will prevent your joints from jarring. Not only will it relieve discomfort in your knees, but working your muscles differently will make your legs stronger and also help prevent Read more

DrSugar on Chronic and Nagging Knee Pain


Updated 07/16/08 11:09 PM · Posted by DrSugar · 3 comments

DrSugar on Chronic and Nagging Knee Pain

DrSugar is keyed up about the knee and the nagging pain in that joint that can frustrate your fitness drive. Here's what he has to say. Let's begin with a brief anatomy lesson for the knee is a complicated structure with multiple moving parts and a variety of connective tissues holding everything together. For a dedicated athlete or even the average weekend warrior, the knee joint is a Read more

Biking and Knee Pain


Updated 09/24/07 8:57 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

Biking and Knee Pain

If you have been biking more to give your weary knees a rest from running and you're experiencing some pain when riding, you might need to fiddle with your seat. Yep, the position of your saddle could be affecting your knees. Here are a few ways to assess the problem: Pain in the back of the knee, the seat is probably too high. If your seat is too high it can cause you to rock side to side Read more

Don't Let Bad Knees Keep You From Exercising


Updated 08/02/07 4:45 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 11 comments

Don't Let Bad Knees Keep You From Exercising

We all contend with our own set of unique fitness road blocks. If knee pain is keeping you from exercising, I am here to tell you that there are options. I would also suggest that you consult with a physician or physical therapist to figure out what is causing your pain. If you know the root of the problem you can hopefully, address the issue with rehabilitative exercises. Strengthening Read more