Running is a popular form of exercise and physical activity that can provide numerous health benefits. However, like any physical activity, running carries the risk of injury. In this blog, we will discuss some of the most common running injuries and their causes.
- Shin splints: Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, is a common injury that causes pain along the inside of the shinbone. This injury is caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone.
- Runner’s knee: Runner’s knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, is a condition that causes pain in the front of the knee. This injury is caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the knee joint, often due to poor running form, weak quadriceps muscles, or a tight IT band.
- Achilles tendonitis: Achilles tendonitis is an injury that causes pain in the back of the heel and lower calf. This injury is caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
- Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is a common injury that causes pain in the heel and sole of the foot. This injury is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot.
- IT band syndrome: IT band syndrome is a condition that causes pain on the outside of the knee. This injury is caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the iliotibial band, a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the hip to the knee.
- Stress fractures: Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones of the feet, ankle, or lower leg. This injury is caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the bones, often due to increasing training intensity or duration too quickly.
- Blisters: Blisters are a common injury that occurs when the skin on the feet is rubbed or irritated. This injury is caused by friction between the skin and socks or shoes, often due to poorly fitting footwear or excessive moisture.
- Muscle strains: Muscle strains are injuries that occur when a muscle is stretched or torn. This injury is caused by sudden movements, overuse, or insufficient stretching and warm-up.
- Ankle sprains: Ankle sprains are injuries that occur when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn. This injury is caused by sudden twisting or turning movements of the foot or ankle.
- Hyponatremia: Hyponatremia is a condition that occurs when the blood sodium level is too low. This injury is caused by excessive fluid intake during long-distance running, which can dilute the sodium concentration in the blood.
Running injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including overuse, repetitive stress, poor running form, inadequate stretching and warm-up, and inappropriate footwear. To prevent running injuries, it is important to gradually increase training intensity and duration, maintain proper form, stretch and warm up before running, wear appropriate footwear, and listen to your body for signs of pain or discomfort.
If you experience a running injury, check in with myself to ensure we can get you back to your best.
Thanks for reading
James