Running is a popular form of exercise, but the physical strain of running can lead to injuries if proper precautions are not taken.
Common running injuries occur due to overuse or incorrect form while running. When training for any running sport, it is essential to be aware of how your body feels and when rest is needed to prevent injury.
What are the common causes of running injuries?
The most common causes of these injuries come from lack of preparation and not listening to your body. A lot of these injuries can be well avoided apart from injuries pertaining to unforeseeable circumstances such as:
– Change in footwear
– Decreased strength and flexibility
– Abnormal biomechanics
It’s always best to work with your body to ensure that it runs as safely as possible. This includes minimising significant increases in distance or running intensity, improving running form, and being cautious while running on different terrain to prevent tripping, falling or injury due to improper form.
What are the most common types of running injuries?
The most common types of running injuries include:
- Shin splints,
- Runner’s knee,
- Achilles tendinopathy, and
- Plantar fasciitis.
These can arise from muscular imbalances caused by repetitive motion or neglected warm-up exercises.
Other types include:
– Stress fractures
– Iliotibial band syndrome
– Delayed onset muscle soreness
The best way to prevent running injuries
To avoid injury, the best thing you as an athlete can do is to prepare the body as well as you can before your run. That could mean increasing the distance and running intensity in small increments, improving your strength and flexibility,
Other ways to prevent running injuries include:
– Warming up before you run
– Not pushing yourself too hard when you change footwear or terrain
– Temporarily reduce your distance and intensity if experiencing any discomfort
– Seeking help from a physiotherapist if any discomfort experienced from running lasts longer than a few days
The best way to treat your running injuries
Often, the best treatment for a running injury is initial rest. Allowing your leg to recover and heal can be an ideal treatment. However, in the case that an injury persists over a few days, it’s best to seek help from a physiotherapist.
A physiotherapist – like the team at North West Physio Eatons Hill – can help you work on any strength, flexibility, biomechanical, or running form abnormalities if present through tailored exercises for your running injury.
As you visit your local physio, they can give the best advice as to how you can gradually return to your running sport helping you to increase your distance/intensity as symptoms allow.
How long does it typically take to recover from running injuries?
On average it takes 4-6 weeks to recover from a running injury. You should consult with a physiotherapist to understand the type, severity, and recovery time for your injury to get the best results!
Have a running injury you’d like help treating?
Our North West Physiotherapy clinics like the Eatons Hill clinic are experienced in treating all types of running injuries, not to mention we’re keen runners ourselves!
Contact us today to book your appointment with our expert staff!
