Many people enjoying running as their sport of choice. Running is free. A person can run wherever they are, and anyone can do it. It is one of the best types of fitness. People gather to run in groups, run solo, and even pay to run races. While running has many health benefits, it is a sport that can result in injuries, aches, and pain.
Read on to learn about the eight most common running injuries people experience with this activity.
Main Types of Running Injuries
Patellofemoral Syndrome
Patellofemoral Syndrome, also known as runner’s knee, refers to pain around the kneecap or the front of the knee. This injury comes from overuse while running or jumping. People experiencing running-related knee pain should look into physiotherapy services for relief.
Achilles Tendinitis
There is a tendon that attaches the calf muscle to the heel. This tendon can become inflamed, leaving a runner suffering from Achilles tendinitis. A runner should not try to push through this condition, as Achilles tendinitis increases the risk of a person rupturing their Achilles tendon. If this happens, the person will need surgery to make a tendon repair.
IT Band Syndrome
Running from the outer hip to the knee is a long connective tissue known as the IT band. The job of this band is to stabilize the knee when walking or running. IT band syndrome is from repetitive friction of the leg bone rubbing against the IT band. Weak abdominals, gluteal muscles, or weakened hips may contribute to IT band syndrome.
Shin Splints
Tibial stress syndrome, also known as shin splints, is pain that happens in either the front of the lower legs over the shinbones or on the inner areas of the leg. This pain is from a person running too far or too hard, especially when a person runs on hard surfaces such as concrete or pavement. While shin splints can clear up on their own, they can also develop into stress fractures.
Hamstring Injuries
Those running with hamstrings that are tight, tired, or weak are more prone to hamstring injuries. Hamstring strains are caused by small tears in the connective tissue fibers of the hamstring muscles. This type of injury starts slowly and typically happens to runners who run long distances.
Plantar Fasciitis
The most common foot injury that plagues runners is plantar fasciitis. What is plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is degeneration or irritation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot. People who start running too hard, too fast, or too far typically suffer from this foot injury. Weak calf muscles can also play a part in developing this condition.
Stress Fractures
A hairline crack in a runner’s bones due to repetitive impact or stress is called a stress fracture. Runners typically experience stress fractures on the top of their foot, in the heel, or lower leg. A runner will need an x-ray to diagnose a stress fracture, and a person suffering from this condition may need a cast or crutches and six to eight weeks to heal.
Ankle Sprains
Those who overstretch the ligaments in their legs or ankles may end up with ankle sprains. The symptoms of runners associated with ankle sprains include pain, bruising, swelling, discoloration, and not having their typical range of movement in their ankle. Treatment of an ankle sprain includes rest and, possibly, physical therapy.
People who want to start running should not try to go too far, too hard, or too fast at the beginning. The trick to preventing running injuries is to start slow and build up distance and speed over time. By training in a smart manner, people can avoid the eight common running-related injuries discussed above.