(HealthDay News) -- While running is a great way to keep active, it can also lead to damage to bones and joints if safety precautions aren't followed.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to prevent an overuse injury while running:

• Never increase your running distance more than 10 percent per week.
• Run on flat, even ground with some give to it.
• If you feel pain, stop running and ice the area. Don't resume running until the pain has subsided.
• When you run particularly hard or a long distance, follow up with a lighter day of running.
• Replace running shoes often -- every 500 miles -- for maximum shock absorption.