Common running injuries: causes and treatment

Running is an acquired taste, but its fanatics swear by it. This sport poses so many challenges, and perhaps therein lies its charm. Not only running outdoors requires proper training –and no, miles on treadmill are not the same as running on the track –and stamina. Muscles of the lower limbs are pushed to the extreme, as they burn from the fatigue of running.

 Many people decide to pursue running for marathons, whereas for others, the charm of burning large amounts of calories is tantalizing. However, amateur running can be rather dangerous. People need to do proper training before they take up running long distances.

Not just the approach to running needs to be thought out, but proper footwear is also pertinent. If these aspects are not addressed, running injuries can occur. Following are some of the more commonly found running-related injuries:

Achilles tendinitis

The Achilles tendon is what connects the calf muscles to the heel. Due to running injuries, this tendon can get inflamed, resulting in the condition known as Achilles Tendinitis. This condition requires urgent care, or else it can rupture as well, which then is mended via surgery by the Best Orthopedic Surgeon in Gulberg Lahore.

It is more common in case where runners increase their running speed or distance, which causes the too much stress on the tendon, till it becomes overwhelmed. Repetitive motion also contributes to this condition. It is also caused by not wearing proper shoes, like those with not enough support or those that are overused.

Poor form can also lead to this condition. Furthermore, bad training practices can also lead to Achilles tendinitis, which is why amateur runners should be very careful, especially when they transition from treadmill running to outdoors.

Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis include discomfort and pain in the region. It also causes tendon to become stiff, especially during mornings. It can thus make walking uncomfortable.

Treatment generally involves taking rest, so that the tendon is able to heal. Icing also helps in curbing the inflammation. Stretching the calf and massage also contributes towards healing. Some people also have to get physiotherapy. Since climbing at incline can also cause injury, people should thus run at flat land instead.

Ankle sprain

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments or tendons of the ankle sustain trauma, due to the joint rolling in or out of place during accidents. It is a painful condition that can also require surgical intervention in extreme cases.

Symptoms of ankle sprain include ankle becoming stiff and inflamed. There might also be discoloration alongside the bruising. Ankle also does not have the same range of motion as it did previously.

Treatment of ankle sprains depends on the severity of the injury. In the mild sprain, people are recommended to follow the R.I.C.E protocol, which stands for rest, icing, compression and elevation. In a more severe case, people might have to rest for longer, and wear support like a splint or brace.

To decrease the inflammation and hence the pain, people can also take NSAIDs. Physiotherapy helps restores mobility in the ankle.

Patellofemoral Syndrome aka Runner’s Knee

Runner’s knee occurs due to overuse of the knee, which then leads to the cartilage of the kneecap to sustain so much wear and tear. It can also lead to kneecap getting misaligned.

Symptoms of runner’s knees include pain when bending knees, which includes actions like squatting, climbing starts, kneeling etc. It is best that people reel back when they start experiencing pain, during which the body can heal.

Treatment of runner’s knees includes icing the knees. Compression also facilitates with decreasing swelling as well. Moreover, it is also helpful to elevate the legs. Pain medication, especially anti-inflammatory medicines also facilitate with pain management. Some people might also require physiotherapy to get better.

Plantar fasciitis

In Plantar fasciitis, pain stems from the bottom of the foot. It goes from the heal to the arch. Essentially, fascia is the layer of tissue located at the bottom of the feet. Running can put strain on this tissue, leading to the irritation in it, and general discomfort in the region.

Plantar fasciitis is common in cases where runners do not acclimatize their body, but instead take the pace up rapidly, overwhelming the tissue. Moreover, stiff tissue of the calves can also cause PF. People who have high arch are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis. Bad footwear also increases probability of getting PF.

Symptoms of Plantar fasciitis include pain in the arch and a sort of burning sensation at the bottom of the feet. The pain is worse in the morning. Moreover, long periods of activity like sitting for a long time, can aggravate the pain as well.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis includes wearing proper shoes for running and stretching before running. People should also give their body rest, by reducing their running time. Massage of the arch of the foot, icing and NSAIDs also help in decreasing the pain.

Shin splints

Shin splints is the pain that stems from injury to the area around the shinbone. It can develop gradually and is often caused due to improper footwear and training, alongside poor running form.

Symptoms of shin splints include persistent yet dull pain in the region. The pain gets aggravated by exercise. Swelling and tenderness in the regions are also signs of shin splints.

Whereas in most of the cases, shin splints can get better with rest, however, if not treated in time, it can also lead to stress fractures. Therefore, if you suspect shin splints, visit the Best Orthopedic Surgeon in Islamabad before more complications develop.