Running injuries are more common than we know. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, you know injuries are a part of the package. Knowing the types of injuries you can get from running, along with how to prevent them, will make your experience better. Without further ado, here are the most common running injuries.
Twisted ankles
This injury is quite common in areas with uneven roads. You can purchase a dedicated area for running if you’re worried about hurting your ankles. A Real Estate Litigation Attorney Los Angeles can help you handle all the heavy lifting, and you’ll be off running again.
Twisted ankles are often painful but rarely permanent. Within a few days, the pain will subside with treatment. If it persists, you should see a doctor.
Plantar fasciitis
This condition occurs when the plantar fascia is inflamed. The plantar fascia is a tissue found on the bottom of your feet which covers the heel to the toes. It causes a pain in the heel after sitting or lying down for long.
If you have a high arch and tight muscles in your calf, you’ll have a higher risk of developing this running injury. It is linked to excessive training but can develop on its own regardless. So you just need to apply some ice to the area and wear good shoes. It also helps to stretch after each run and rest when needed.
Muscle pull
Running is a high stress activity and it can lead to a tear in the muscle. This is called a muscle pull. It presents like a popping sensation in the affected area. The groin, quadriceps and hamstrings are some of the main affected areas.
This injury is often resolved within a few minutes. You simply need to rest and apply some ice compression and elevate the muscle.
Achilles tendinopathy
This injury is caused when there is repetitive damage to the tendon that attaches the heel to the calf. It is a degenerative injury unlike the others in the list. When inflamed, the injury causes pain, stiffness or a burning sensation in the area. If you have this injury, running for longer distances is not advisable. Always stretch after running and apply a cold compress to the area. Resting also helps reduce inflammation for a while.
Shin splint
Shin splints happen when you run too quickly or increase your distance suddenly. It affects the inside of the lower leg or the front side and can be pretty painful. Since this pain mimics others, it may be difficult to spot it for a start. To be certain, you may need to get an X-ray. Having a flat foot puts you at risk of developing a shin splint.
To fix this issue or avoid it, you need to reduce your mileage. You may also need to take things easy for a while and consider stretching exercises.
Running injuries are part of the experience and almost every runner will experience it. Try to rest when you don’t feel up to the task. Also, invest in good running shoes because they may just save your feet.
