Running involves repetition of a very similar action over a prolonged period of time. As a consequence the potential for runners suffering from 'overuse' injuries in particular is very high. By understanding these injuries, you should be able to minimise their impact on your running.
There are a number of common causes of running injuries. For each of these, there are steps you can take to minimise the likelihood of injury.
As a runner trying to maximise your potential, the threat of injury is very real at any time. Most runners will, unfortunately, go to the point of injury at some stage.
Sole of foot pain is usually caused by inflammation of the 'plantar fascia', a structure like a ligament that runs from the bottom of the heel to the ball of the foot and toes.
Heel pain is usually caused by damage to the tissues near the Achilles tendon, which runs from the calf muscle to the heel.
Runners with shin pain are usually suffering from either shin splints - a catch all term for lower leg pain - or compartment syndrome - a build up of pressure in a muscle compartment of the leg.
Knee pain can be caused by inflammation of the knee tendon in the region just below the knee cap - called 'patella tendonitis'.
Buttock pain can be caused by inflammation of the hamstring tendons where they join the bone you sit on - the injury is called 'hamstring origin problem'.
Groin pain can be caused by damage to tissues in the groin area. This is called a sports hernia or 'inguinal disruption'.
Bone injuries caused by running are usually stress fractures. A stress fracture is a partial or complete fracture of a bone due to its inability to withstand repetitive forces.
Understanding what caused your injury in the first place is fundamental to putting it right and a state-of-the-art Run3D system is leading the way in biomechanical assessment.
The way we approach rehabilitation affects how quickly we can get back to training. Neil Black looks at what steps we can take to ensure the rehab process is as swift as possible.
There are a number of different health care professionals you can consult about a sports injury. Neil Black explains what they can do for you and who you should see.
The right mental approach will help manage rehabilitation and could even lead to a speedier recovery. Carole gives advice on psychological strategies in recovery from illness and injury.
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