As I mentioned in a previous post, one of the costs of being a runner is paying for injuries. 36 million people run every year- 40-50% experience at least one injury.
Below is a graphic that outlines some of the most common running injuries, their causes as well as their symptoms.
Running Injuries – Causes and Symptoms
Here is a breakdown of the injuries listed above.
Piriformis Syndrome
Tightening of piriformis muscle. Symptoms: Pain radiating down back of leg.
Learn more.
Spinal Compression
Develops when the spinal cord is compressed by bone fragments from a vertebral fracture, a tumor, abscess, ruptured intervertebral disc or other lesion. Symptoms: Back pain, paralysis, height loss, to name a few.
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Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Inflamed tissue that surrounds the knee and extends up into the hip. Symptoms: swelling and/or thickening of the knee as well as stinging or tingling.
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Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
“Runner’s Knee.” Symptoms: Pain under and around knee cap.
Learn more.
Shin Splints
Stressed, irrigated, or swollen muscles. Also known as tibial stress syndrome. Symptoms: Throbbing and aching in your shins.
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Plantar Fasciits
Inflammation of the thick tissue at the bottom of the food. Symptoms: Pain on bottom of heel.
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Achilles Tendonitis
Irritation and inflammation of the large tendon in the back of the ankle. Symptoms: Pain along back of ankle.
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Calf Muscle Pull
Calf muscle tears away from Achilles tendon. Symptoms: May hear a “pop” when it happens.
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Hamstring Strain
A tear in one or more hamstring muscles. Symptoms: Sudden sharp pain on back of leg, pain when stretching, etc.
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Groin Pull
Too much stress on muscles in groin. Symptoms: Pain when you bring your legs together.
Learn more.
Ways to Avoid Running Injury
The graphic above listed some awesome ways to avoid running injuries like wearing the right shoes, warming up, stretching, and finishing your run with a short walk. Cooling down after your run is very important. When you’ve finished your run the first thing you want to do is plop down on the couch but you need to make sure you walk and hydrate for a couple minutes before you crash.
If you’re interested, here’s an interesting article from The Guardian on How to Avoid Running Injuries.
Exercise While Recovering from Injuries
This is a great topic that I was glad to see included in the above graphic. When you’ve been injured, there are certain things you can do to help nurture your body back to good health. You can’t always afford a physical therapist to help you get your athletic body back to performing like it used to, but below are a few exercise plans I found that will help with running injuries.
Running Injury Recovery Workout Plans
- The Backup Plan – When you’re injured, you may be down. But you don’t have to be out. Here’s how to stay fit—and sane—until you can run again.
- Running Injury Recovery Tips – How to safely return to running.
Recover with a Treadmill
As mentioned in the graphic, walking on an inclined treadmill is also a great way work your muscles and tendons back to perfection. I recommend the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 because it has smooth incline capabilities, it’s affordable and lightweight.
Use a Stability Ball
Some other methods of injury recovery mentioned were to use a stability ball.
Switch to an Elliptical
Although the saying that “using an elliptical is just like running” happens to be a myth, the elliptical is much better on your knees than a treadmill is. If you have hip issues, the elliptical is not going to be the best choice. The best choice at the point would be to walk or lightly jog either outside or on a treadmill.
Hopefully, you don’t experience any serious injuries as a runner, but if you do or already have, there are ways to recover.