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Several reports indicate that knee injuries in particular are more common among women than among men. The reasons given have to do with leg alignment, muscle strength, and joint laxity or looseness. In general, women have wider pelvises than men do, which makes for a corresponding larger quadriceps angle, meaning the hips come down to the knees at a sharper angle. This puts more stress on the kness, making them more vulnerable to injury. Sports physicians often refer to a condition common in women called "the terrible triad", in which a wider pelvis causes legs to be more knock-kneed.

There are runners complain about shinsplints only to look down at their feet and see that they are wearing cross-training shoes. You can do everything else right and ruin your running with the wrong or a worn-out pair of shoes. No matter how few miles you run each week, do not run in tennis shoes, aerobic shoes, or corss-trainers. Athletic shoes are designed to complement the type of activity you will be doing. Running involves strictly forward motion. Not only is it important that you wear running shoes, but they should be of a design appropriate to your running style.

Shop at a specialty running store where the salespeople have the knowledge to help you find the best shoe and right fit. And replace your shoes regularly. When the midsoles-the supportive layer of the shoe between the bottom of your foot and the outsole-break down, your foot motion during will be affected, which in turn can place stress on the tendons and ligaments of your legs and lead to injury.

Cushioned shoes have the softest midsoles and provide the best shock absorption. Sounds ideal for any runner, doesn't it? Cushioning is not for everyone, though. This is partly due to the softness of the midsole, but in addition, cushioned shoes are built on a semi-curved or curved last and most do not contain motion-control devices, allowing your foot to roll inward. Clearly, these are not the shoes for overpronators.

The shoe should have about a thumbs' width of space more than the full size of the feet. The middle foot area should have a secure and comfortable resting place beneath it. Also, be sure to try on both shoes. On many people one foot is usually bigger than the other foot. Inside the shoe is a stiffened cup encasing the toes known as the box, or block? The place over the toe is called the vamp, the opening near the toes is called the throat of the shoe.

This may explain why many women have a hard time finding shoes that fit well, especially in the heel. Kate Bednarski, president of Ryka, Inc, which makes running and other athletic footwear for women, has done thorough research on the structure of women's feet.