More than 1,200 runners will hit the streets of downtown Fort Myers on February 19th in the 33rd running of the Edison Festival of Lights 5K, sponsored by Orthopedic Specialists of Southwest Florida. And, among those runners, most will have suffered sore muscles, if not more serious injuries at some point in their running careers.
The Edison Festival of Lights 5K immediately precedes the Edison Festival of Lights Grand Parade, the nation’s largest and oldest night-time parade. When the runners complete their 3.2-mile circuit of downtown Fort Myers, the floats, marching bands and others will take to the streets, filling the night air with music thrilling the crowds lining the streets.
“The Edison Festival has been honoring Fort Myers’ most famous resident, Thomas Edison for more than 70 years. We’re proud to be a part of this time-honored event, participating in a way that makes sense for us,” said Fletcher Reynolds, M.D., a partner in Orthopedic Specialists of Southwest Florida. “Our great weather makes Southwest Florida a runner’s paradise,” Dr. Reynolds continued. “And this means that many runners will at some point suffer a running-related injury. Preventing injuries is relatively simple. Proper stretching and warm-up prior to running is the best prevention. Wearing the correct shoes for your body and for the way in which you run is another key factor in injury prevention.”
“The likelihood of a running injury increases over time,” Dr. Reynolds added. “Since running is a repetitive activity, and one that involves continued pounding, the stress on bones and muscles can lead to injury. Since most runners love to run, any time away from this activity is stressful. If an injury does occur, rehabilitation, under the care of doctors and therapists specializing in sports medicine will ensure a quick return to a running regimen.”
About Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida
Since opening in 2000, Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida has grown into our area’s only group medical practice with fellowship-trained surgeons. Using the latest technology and proven techniques in orthopedic medicine, the physicians and staff of Orthopedic Specialists strive to provide the best possible care and service to patients suffering from bone, joint, muscle and back, and spine problems. Its comprehensive office in Fort Myers includes foot and ankle, hand and upper extremity, joint replacement, spine, and sports medicine centers of excellence along with a physical medicine and rehabilitation program and physical, occupational and hand therapy. The office is located at 2531 Cleveland Avenue, Suite 1, in Ft. Myers. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 239-215-2008.
