Running has grown in popularity to improve and maintain fitness and stay in shape. More than 40 million Americans run regularly, according to a source.
Even though running is a terrific method to keep active, many runners suffer from injuries at some time.
What are running injuries:
If you’re like most runners, you’re probably putting in hundreds or even thousands of kilometers each year. All those foot impacts have a cumulative influence on your muscles, joints, and connective tissue which in return causes injuries in different body parts. Blood work like a complete blood count test can diagnose the reason for injury and other complications including fever or infection along with running injuries.
- Runner’s knee or patellofemoral syndrome:
Patellofemoral syndrome, sometimes known as runner’s knee, is known for pain at the front of or around the kneecap.
- IT band syndrome:
The iliotibial band, often known as the IT band, is a long stretch of connective tissue to the outside of your knee. Affordable X-ray services in your nearby ER can help you diagnose it.
- Plantar fasciitis:
One of the most prevalent foot ailments is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by muscle tension or weakness in the calves.
- Ankle sprains:
It is a kind of sprain that occurs when overstretching the ligaments between your leg and ankle causes ankle sprains. Rush into a close emergency room for X-ray services to exclude the possibility of fractures
- Toenail fungus:
An ingrown toenail can cause discomfort and inflammation throughout the length of your toenail, and if it becomes infected, it may exude pus.
- Bursitis:
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that sit beneath the muscles and tendons of your body. Running might cause discomfort in your hip or around your knee due to repeated rubbing against these sacs.
- Anterior compartment syndrome:
It is a condition in which the organs are in the front of the body. This condition has the potential to be a medical emergency.
- The calf strain:
A calf strain, commonly known as a strained calf, is caused by repeated damage from jogging.
- Muscle pull:
This is a muscular strain, a slight tear in your muscle. Overstretching power is a common reason. When you pull a muscle, the power rips, and you may feel a popping feeling.
- Blisters:
These are fluid-filled bags on the skin’s surface. Friction among your footwear and your skin causes them. To avoid blisters, do the following:
- Gradually begin wearing new shoes.
- Double-layer socks are recommended.
- Apply petroleum jelly to blister-prone regions.
Prevention for running injuries:
Running injuries may happen to anybody, but you can reduce your chances of being hurt by following these guidelines:
- Gradually increase your running speed and distance. Many runners adhere to the 10% rule, which states that they should not increase their weekly running volume by more than 10% at a time.
- Attend to any lingering injuries. Rest nagging injuries as soon as possible to avoid them becoming more serious. A physical therapist can offer you a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- Work on your technique. If you run incorrectly, your muscles and joints will be more stressed. You may enhance your running style by working with a running coach or video.
- Work on strengthening your hips. Preserve your knees and ankles in your training routine, including stability exercises like glute bridges or single-leg squats.
- Think about doing some cross-training. Including low-impact sports like cycling or swimming in your routine will help you increase your aerobic fitness while also providing your joints a rest from the repetitive stress of running.
Treatment options for running injuries
It’s great to consult your doctor and go for affordable X-ray services if you’re in any pain or discomfort or have trouble running to obtain a correct diagnosis and rule out other diseases.
Treatment for several common running injuries typically includes:
- Few sessions of physical therapy and particular exercises
- Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen
- Strengthening your quadriceps and hip muscles, extending tight quads or calves, and using orthotic shoes can help the runner’s knee.
- Stretching or massaging your calves is a good idea.
- Stretch your IT bands every day and strengthen your hip muscles.
- Stretching and strengthening your calves can help with plantar fasciitis.
- Crutches, cast, or surgery for stress fractures
- Ankle strengthening activities for sprains
Give your blood sample for a complete blood count test to avoid the possibility of infection due to running injuries.