4 Unfortunate Running Injuries and How to Prevent Them
Running is a healthy and natural way to exercise your entire body and improve the overall fitness of your leg muscles. Even though many people incorporate this activity into their regular fitness routine, it's also very easy to hurt yourself if you don't take the time to learn how to do it properly. Good posture is even more important during heavy exercise than it is when standing still and runners have to learn how to recognize and respond to signs of injury.
Damage to Knee Joints
The knee is an essential, specialized joint that plays a pivotal role in any kind of leg exercise. It's one of the most common sources of serious injury for regular runners and damage to this area can take a long time to fully heal. Intermittent sharp pains or aches around the knee joint typically warrant a break from running and a visit to a physiotherapist. Most types of knee injuries get progressively worse under strain, so just pushing through the pain is rarely a good idea.
Acute and Chronic Tendinitis
Tendons may be relatively small compared to muscle and bone mass, but they are just as important for coordinated motion. The Achilles tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel is a prime concern for runners, but irritation and inflammation can impact any of the tendons between the foot and hip joint. Ample stretching before, during and after running helps prevent damage to tendons. Massage therapy and well-rounded mobility exercise routines can also mitigate discomfort.
Foot Arch and Heel Injuries
Foot injuries can have a truly crippling effect on a person's mobility, which disrupts their ability to exercise, work or perform even simple daily activities. Plantar fasciitis is among the most serious foot injuries frequently found in runners and is one of the reasons people seek out specialized care providers, like Ankle & Foot Clinic of Everett. Wearing foot-friendly shoes approved by a physical therapist can help prevent damage to the many different bones, muscles and tendons in your feet.
Fractured and Broken Bones
Even a small fracture can cause an immense amount of discomfort and puts you at risk for developing a more serious injury. Fractures or breaks typically occur during a fall or other high-impact landing, but the extent of the damage isn't always apparent right away. Runners should try to run on a smooth, stable surface whenever possible.
Many of the most common kinds of running injuries can be reversed with prompt medical attention and dedication to long-term personal care. Learning how to maintain good posture and taking breaks to allow injuries to heal are important tips for any kind of fitness enthusiast.
