Running is one of the best forms of exercise. It is a holistic workout but it is not without its share of risks. Runners are vulnerable to various types of injury. Here are the five most common injuries runners or joggers are likely to encounter.
- Shin splints are common among runners. It occurs when a runner is excessively stressed during the exercise. Most people suffer shin splints because their bodies are not prepared to endure the additional stress. Many joggers try to increase their speed or run longer distances but their bodies are not yet ready to endure that. Shin splints cause pain in the front anterior part of the shin or around the medial part of the leg. The latter is more common. The pain can worsen and can be mild or severe depending on the extent of the injury. Shin splints are painful but completely curable. Rest is advised even if the pain is mild. Shin splints can worsen if you keep running, if your shoes are not supportive enough and if you run on arched turf or pathways. Compression sleeves are often used to prevent and recover form shin splints.
- Achilles tendinopathy is another common injury. You would experience pain in the Achilles tendon. The condition is caused when the tendon does not function properly. It is not an inflammation. The pain is rarely in the calf muscle or the heel. Those who suffer Achilles tendinopathy will experience sharp sensations, similar to poking, in five to ten minutes of running. This condition can be caused due to poor posture during running. Wearing minimal or improper footwear can be a direct or indirect cause.
- Plantar fasciitis is a painful injury common among runners. The pain is usually concentrated at the heel but it can radiate across the bottom of the foot. The pain is sharp and you may experience a burning sensation. Plantar fasciitis is caused when the connective tissue called plantar fascia gets irritated and is unable to heal. The chronic irritation may be caused due to weakness in the tissue. It may not be able to support the range of motion of the foot or both the feet during running. Ice, using a roller, and in extreme cases, cortisone shots, can help to keep this running injury from cramping your style.
- Another connective tissue called iliotibial band can suffer damage, leading to a condition known as iliotibial band syndrome. This condition is usually caused by improper movement of the femur bone. This is common among runners who have weak butts resulting in excessive shifts of the pelvis. This is a more complicated injury and you may want to discuss the issue with your doctor or chiropractor. You can also focus on .
- The most common injury runners get is patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as runner’s knee. When the pain nerves in and around the knee get stimulated for long periods of time, there is mild to severe pain in the region. The pain may persist even while resting. Runner’s knee can be caused by weakness in muscles, excessive stress, poor posture while running and other injuries.