Running Injuries Slowing You Down

Today’s blog is a special entry for all you runners.  Some of you are avid runners putting in your miles in all types of weather conditions.  The rest of you are getting excited that summer is around the corner, trail conditions will be prime, and it’s time to lace up your ‘sneaks.’ Either way running is a big part of your life. It’s your way to get healthy and reduce stress.  Maybe it’s the way you keep your ‘competitive edge’ or it’s that time you get to dedicate to yourself.  No matter why running is important to you, “Running is Life.” But what happens when an injury slows you down or puts a halt to the thing you Love to do?  Maybe it hasn’t stopped you and you just ‘run through that hip/knee/ankle/calf/foot pain.’  But why are you running from your injury?  Many people tend to run from physical therapy and just push through their pain.  Some just keep running despite a nagging injury because they are afraid they may be told to ease up, rest a little, or stop running for a little while.  The truth is, running through your pain doesn’t make it better, and you may all ready know that.   In this blog we will talk what it’s like to run with a nagging injury and how to overcome them, if you are willinig to choose the best option for resolving your injury.

​Before we get to running injuries let’s talk about a few of the reasons why running is so beneficial.

It strengthens your cardiovascular system (a workout for the heart)
Increase your lung capacity
Increases your bone density
Decreases stress
Strengthens your leg muscles
Weight control
Strengthens your body overall

The health benefits of running are numerous and one can understand why you enjoy running.  Believe me, the last thing we want is for you to stop running.  Your reasons for running are why we want you to keep going, but we want you to be able to enjoy your runs without pain getting in the way!!

That being said let’s take a look at some running injuries – some of which you may be experiencing right now. Now remember not all running injuries have to do with a serious fall – in fact most running injuries occur without a traumatic event.  Most injuries occur slowly, incrementally, from repetitive stress.  Since most of these aches and pains occur over time it’s the reason why so many runners never seek help.  Let’s take a look at some of these injuries…

Plantar Fasciitis
This is a condition when there is inflammation underneath the tissues of the foot that run from heel to your toes.  A common symptom is pain in the arch of the foot.

Achilles Tendontis/Tendonosis
Here is when the tendon – that connects the calf muscle to heel bone – is injured.

Joint Wear and Tear
This type of injury occurs due to prolonged use of the joint.  Improper foot wear and impact on hard surfaces can contribute.  Sometimes years of impact on the joints combined with faulty body mechanics can cause wear.

Hamstring Strain
This can happen if the muscles and tendons at the back of the thigh are not warmed up – a strain or tear can occur

Shin Splints
This injury occurs when there is strain on the muscles and bone along shin bone resulting in micro-tears or bruising of the tissue

Stress Fractures of Foot, Heel, Shins
Improper body mechanics can result in improper load of the bones of the leg resulting in small cracks in the bones

IT Band Injury
This is characterized by a rubbing of the ilitotibial band on the outside lower portion of the knee – this are becomes inflamed and painful

Runner’s Knee
This is commonly called patellar tendonitis and results in pain in the front of the knee

Ankle Sprain
This injury typically occurs when the ankle is forced into an awkward position.  Often the foot rolls inward and causes strain to the ankle ligaments.

If you have experienced one, or some of these injuries then you know how painful and debilitating they can be.  Symptoms include:

Severe, stabbing pain
Swelling
Popping and cracking noises
Nagging aches and pains
Inability to put weight on your leg or return to running
Frustration

If this sounds like you, and you’re currently feeling down, then it’s time to take action. The best thing you can do is seek a hands-on physical therapist.  A hands-on therapist will look for the ROOT CAUSE of your symptoms so that they never return. Why mask the pain when you can have it resolved?  Get back to running again without having to worry about the debilitating pain recurring.  A physical therapist can get you back to a pain-free lifestyle and give you the tools via specific exercises tailored to your injury to keep you running without pain.  Physical therapy can get you back to running, while feeling healthier and more excited to be running. 

In addition, physical therapy also helps:

Eliminate your pain
Improve your mobility and range of motion
Gets you stronger
Improve your stride and running speed/efficiency
Help you choose proper footwear
Give you invaluable advice on hydration, nutrition, and how to prevent future injury and perform a pain-free exercise program

If you think you have a running injury, are upset with subpar performance, then why wait to see a therapist?  Physical therapy can get you back on track faster and have you meeting your PR in no time.  A therapist will determine your issue, find the root cause, and have you feeling your best. 

If you still don’t think a therapist can help then I invite you to come in for a FREE discovery session.  Yes, that’s right…this visit is a free, non-obligatory, complimentary discovery session where we can begin to figure out the root cause of your issue and be on our way to resolving it so you can lace up your sneakers with confidence.  Please click the button below to talk with one of our therapists

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