Running Injuries

What are some of the most common running injuries?

There are many different types of running injuries, some related to overuse, some related to warm-up and running technique, and some related to other factors like your shoes or the surface you run on. Injuries can affect any portion of your leg and foot, but most commonly affect the foot and ankle. Foot- and ankle-related running injuries can include:

• Sprains

• Strains

• Torn ligaments

• Tendon injuries

• Deep tissue injuries

• Plantar fasciitis

• Heel spurs or bone fragments

• Achilles tendinitis

• Neuromas and other nerve-related injuries

How are running injuries treated?

That depends on the type of injury you've experienced. In most cases, running-related injuries are treated with some combination of:

• Resting to enable the site to heal

• Using ice packs and cold therapy to reduce swelling and inflammation as well as pain

• Compression to control swelling and to provide additional support to keep the injury from becoming worse

• Elevation to reduce painful swelling

• Using pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)

• Physical therapy to restore range of motion, reduce pain, promote healing, and regain strength and flexibility

• Surgery when needed to repair extensive damage or prevent additional damage from occurring

Before any treatment is administered, your injury will be thoroughly evaluated to ensure the best approach is used for optimal healing.

What can I do to prevent running injuries?

The two most important steps you can take to help prevent running injuries include knowing your limits (and not pushing yourself too far beyond them) and seeing the doctor at the first sign of an injury so treatment can begin as soon as possible. Other important steps include:

• Wearing shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support
• Making sure the surface you're running on is stable and free of debris
• Warming up before running and cooling down afterward
• Add strength training to ensure the muscles of your feet, ankles and legs stay strong and flexible