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.