Running Injuries
Whether you are on a track team, are conditioning for another sport or are running for fitness, injuries can happen and can slow you down. These may be minor injuries, such as a muscle strain or small tear in the foot or calf, but any type of strain or inflammation should not be ignored to avoid more serious injury.
Common overuse type injuries include runner’s knee and IT band syndrome. Runner’s knee occurs as cartilage around your kneecap wears down, allowing the kneecap to slip out of alignment. Someone with runner’s knee may experience pain when sitting or climbing stairs.
The IT or iliotibial band runs along the outside of the thigh from the hip to the knee. Inflammation can occur when the IT band becomes thick from overuse and begins rubbing the knee bone. The resulting inflammation can cause pain when a runner trains.
Other common injuries a runner may experience include:
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Stress fracture – A hairline crack in any bone in the foot or ankle. For more details, click here.
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Shin splints – Pain along the front of the shin bone or tibia. For more details, click her.
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Achilles tendinopathy – Pain and stiffness in the achilles tendon at the back of the heel. For more details, click here.
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Ankle sprain – Stretching or tearing of ligaments around the ankle. For more details, click here.
Prevent running injuries by taking the time to rest and recover after training. Take care when changing workout regiments and allow your body to tell you when it is time to stop. While some soreness during training is normal, persistent pain in muscles or joints should be checked by a doctor.
For additional information regarding foot and ankle injuries common among athletes, click here.