Runners of any experience level can encounter injuries. Regardless of skill or ability, a runner’s body is put under stresses and strains that require active attention and care.
A little physical discomfort while running can be harmless and able to be worked through, but any pain that goes beyond the normal ache of training needs to be addressed.
These pains can be attributed to either repetitive or traumatic running injuries.
With good awareness of what you’re at risk of when running, you’ll be able to properly look after your body and take care of any areas that require attention.
While medical treatment is an inevitable part of either injury, there are several differences between their recovery and future outlook.
Read on as Justin Chong from Bigfoot podiatry provides some helpful information on the most commonly treated repetitive and traumatic running injuries, and how to recover from them.
Repetitive injury is not uncommon in runners because of the nature of their activity. Long distance runners are more commonly affected, because of the strain their bodies are put through for an extended amount of time.
Justin tells us a little about how the most commonly seen repetitive running injuries occur.
1. Achilles tendonitis and calf strains
A frequently occurring repetitive issue runners face is Achilles tendonitis. Identifying the root cause of this pain is paramount to finding an effective treatment. Justin explains how runners face it.
“Achilles tendonitis and calf strains are caused by overstriding and weak soleus; the muscle that runs from just below the knee to the heel,” Justin says. “Poor shoe selection can also be a factor, along with a lack of good hip and core stabilisation.”
2. Patellofemoral pain, or 'runners knee'
Commonly known as ‘runners knee’, patellofemoral pain is a relentless pain that runners’ frequently suffer from. It’s caused from weak hips and core stabilisers.
Other contributing factors include:
Provided there isn’t any osteoarthritis, with good rehab, patellofemoral pain can improve.
Repetitive injuries always require medical advice to ensure their recovery is fast and effective, and getting back into running is done safely. You also don’t want to risk the injury popping up again, so a professional will be able to advise on techniques for prevention.
In aid of the recovery process, Justin recommends making these changes to your running:
Since they’re generally caused quite suddenly by a movement or fall, a traumatic injury can be very painful, very fast. Any movement or activity that uses the affected area may impact the recovery of a traumatic injury, so it’s crucial to allow for recovery quickly – and pain should never be ignored.
Some of the most common traumatic running injuries include:
Some of the most common traumatic running injuries include:
1. Ankle injuries
An ankle sprain can occur after a sudden impact. Most runners who suffer from ankle injuries are aware of the fact that it can make them prone to further injuries – so it’s important to maintain your rehab until you’re properly healed.
2. Strained hamstrings, calves or quads
Since most injuries in runners occur in their lower body, strains in the leg are common. Sprinters are more likely to face these particular injuries than long-distance runners. Reducing or taking a break from running is recommended to overcome these injuries.
As soon as the pain begins you need to seek a medical assessment and advice. The services you seek should be determined by the nature of your injury, and can include physiotherapy or podiatry. Along with medical treatment, you can also assist your recovery with: