Even though running is probably the simplest way of sport and exercise, it is highly vunerable to injuries. Running injuries usually are not uncommon among runners-novice or long-time. In case you’ve already been running for a while, you most likely have noticed any of these popular injuries:
1. Runner’s knee
Also known as iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), runner’s knee is known as the tenderness of the iliotibial band (ITB), the connective tissue beyond the thigh, to cause friction between the ITB and also thigh bone. Runner’s knee results from overpronation, overtraining, tight ITB either naturally or due to lack of stretching, wrong shoes, weak hip muscles, and also too much hill running.
Those with runner’s knee experience pain and inflammation outside the knee. Pain is most pronounced any time running downhill or on cambered surfaces, any time knees are stretched, and even when only walking upstairs and downstairs. On the onset of discomfort, running have to be immediately stopped. Consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), cold therapy, as well as massage can reduce the pain. In severe cases, particularly when the injury doesn’t respond to any remedy or rehabilitation, corticosteroid injection is carried out to the site of injury.
2. Shin splints
Shin splints is a widely used term to refer to the pain at the front of the lower leg. The injury is often caused by oversupination, overpronation, intense running, bad footwear, running on hard surfaces, and also poor ankle flexibility. Joggers with shin splints feel soreness inside the lower half shin, which usually extends to the knee, at the beginning of the run. The agony subsides while running but comes back right after with a more stabbing intensity. Redness and lumps on the shin might also develop.
Treatment is focused on abating the pain, especially throughout the early stage when the discomfort is intolerable. This consists of rest, massage, and cold therapy. Intake of NSAIDs can be advisable.
3. Achilles tendonitis
Since it is no longer considered an inflammatory ailment, Achilles tendonitis is currently often called Achilles tendinopathy. This is the condition in which the Achilles tendon, a band of tissues connecting the calf muscles-gastrocnemius and also soleus-to the heel bone, is inflamed, and which can eventually result in degenerated tissue and scarring. Achilles tendonitis is often caused by overworking the tendon, either by subjecting it to too much tension or forcing it to work under abnormal conditions. Factors include weak or tight calf muscles, too much uphill running, overpronation, wrong shoes, abrupt adjustments to distance and speed, and weak ankle joints.
Achilles tendonitis is classified into two: acute and chronic. The pain sensation associated with acute tendonitis only lasts at the beginning of the run and may ease during and after the exercise. This doesn’t stay for more than a week. Chronic Achilles tendonitis, in contrast, can go for weeks and months. Agony is consistent during the run and when walking up or downstairs. Ache and redness could be apparent at the site of injury. Lumps will even develop.
Just like other running injuries, Achilles tendonitis can be treated with NSAIDs. Massage, heel pad, casting, ultrasound treatment, and also rehabilitation will also be effective ways to correct the injury. Regarding critical injury, surgical treatment is performed to eliminate the scar tissue.