Most Common Running Injuries, Treatment and Prevention Running is a great sport, but you need to be aware that pushing yourself too hard can cause painful knee, shin and thigh injuries. Running has been described as the purest, simplest form of exercise and a great sport to start when you are older. Pushing yourself too hard, such as running faster or for longer distances than the body can tolerate, can lead to injuries. Biomechanics, running style, footwear, and many other factors also play a role in causing running injuries. Here are the most common running injuries and how they can be treated and prevented. Achilles Tendinitis: This is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, and causes pain and swelling just above the heel. The pain is worse in the morning and increases with activity. The condition is the result of running long distances, which puts additional stress on the tendon and also due to tight calf muscles.
Plantar Fasciitis: This is another painful condition of the heel. Plantar fasciitis is the result of long-distance running which increases stress on this part of the leg. It causes inflammation in the plantar fascia, the tough and flexible band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. Symptoms include excruciating pain and inflammation leading to difficulty standing and walking.
Shin Splints: This term refers to various ailments that affect the shin area. It is characterized by pain, inflammation and tenderness in the front or inside of the lower leg along the shin bone. Tight muscles around the shin area also cause this injury. Shin splints occur when you run longer distances or increase the number of days you exercise, too fast. If you have flat feet, you are at a higher risk of developing shin splints.
IT (iliotibial) band syndrome: A ligament that runs from the top of the hip to the outside of the knee, IT band syndrome occurs when this ligament becomes thick and rubs against the knee bone. This friction causes pain and inflammation on the outside of the knee. If not treated on time, it can put an end to your running.
Runner’s knee: This common condition occurs due to inflammation of the area where the knee cap meets the thigh bone and is believed to be caused by overuse. However, a recent study suggests that runners don’t suffer more long-term damage to their knee joints than people who don’t run. Training too much and running too fast, too often and too soon causes these running injuries. So runners need to be aware of the risks of overuse. The good news is that running injuries can be prevented and treated effectively. Problems such as misalignment can be addressed with custom orthotics.
Leading rehabilitation centers in New York offer safe and efficient non-invasive therapies for all types of musculoskeletal injuries. Orthopedic services provided would include physical therapy, special exercises, pain management, and other nonpharmacological, complementary and alternative interventions.
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