A Beginner’s Guide to Running Injuries and Their Treatments

Even though running is considered the best way to remain active, many runners have to experience an injury at some point.

More than 95% of running injuries are caused by constant stress, but, some such as a torn muscle or a sprained ankle, are quite sudden.

Please continue reading to be aware of the major types of running injuries, including the available treatment options.

Types of Running Injuries

If you are like most of the runners, you are probably logging thousands or at least hundreds of miles each year. The foot strikes’ repetitive impact can take a huge toll on your joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues.

Some of the major running injuries that athletes admitted suffering from frequently are as follows:

• Runner’s Knee or Patellofemoral Syndrome

Patellofemoral Syndrome, informally known as runner’s knee, refers to the pain felt in front of the knee or around the kneecap. Weakness in the hips or in the calf muscles usually puts you at high risk.

Runner’s knee may also cause popping or cracking sound after a long period of being stagnant.A doctor may diagnose the runner’s knee through a comprehensive physical examination but may recommend X-rays to rule out the other conditions.

• Shin Splints

Shin splints refer to the pain in the inner area or in front of the lower leg, along the shinbone. They occur when you escalate your running speed abruptly on hard surfaces. When left untreated, shin splints do not go away but end up developing into stress fractures. Besides the burning, dull ache, some more symptoms include mild swelling and tenderness.

• Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis could be defined as an inflammation of the tendons that joins the heel to the calf muscle. It happens after you increased your mileage or the intensity with which you were running. Achilles tendinitis ruptures the Achilles tendon, and if it tears somehow, you have to go through surgery. In minor cases, the discomfort goes away gradually after six weeks or so.

Treatments

If you experience any sort of discomfort or find it difficult to run, make sure to contact the sports medicine specialists and go through a proper diagnosis. Even though some injuries need specific care, common treatments include:

• Schedule physical therapy sessions. They can successfully manage pain while keeping permanent damage and recurring issues at bay.
• Practice RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Taking rest prevents further complications while the other three reduces inflammation, pain, and bruises.
• Take NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in the prescribed dosage.
• Cut back on how far and how often you run.
• Indulge in light exercises to keep the blood circulating.

Running long distances without a break inhibits muscle growth, but doing so properly can help one stay fit in a seamless manner.

Studies have shown that performing HIIT (high-intensity interval training) every week contributes to the lower body mass.

Make sure to drink plenty of water and adhere to a balanced diet to relish the benefits of running to the greatest extent.