Raymond J. “RJ” Fitch joined WuXi AppTec as vice president of manufacturing in 2016. His role quickly expanded to include oversight of three of the company’s Philadelphia-based facilities becoming the Vice President of Operations & General Manager. Outside of his work as Philadelphia site head, RJ Fitch enjoys staying active through running.
Most runners experience rolling an ankle at some point or another, whether it is a minor twist, a severe sprain, or even a broken bone in the foot. Fortunately, there are steps runners can take to decrease their chances of sustaining a significant ankle injury.
Ankle-strengthening exercises can make ankle rolls less common. One simple exercise begins by sitting in a chair and placing a towel on the floor. After resting a bare foot in the towel with the heel to the ground, flex and curl the toes so that the towel is drawn toward the body. Continue to grab and bunch the towel up in this manner until there is no more fabric to collect, then repeat the strengthening exercise with the other foot.
After mastering a few ankle-strengthening stretches, runners can hit the streets with more confidence in their bodies. That said, individuals should avoid uneven terrain whenever possible, as a sudden rise or divot can roll even a strong ankle. Similarly, poorly laced running shoes or improper running technique can lead to considerable foot injuries.
