In this article, we talk about some common running injuries that you may be aware of, and we also talk about how you can treat these injuries to get back on track. These include Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and ankle sprains.
These are all injuries that can be serious issues for many runners.
Achilles tendonitis
There are many ways to treat Achilles tendinitis, including surgery, steroid injections, platelet-rich plasma and home remedies. The best approach is to follow the doctor's instructions carefully. The pain of Achilles tendinitis may go away with rest and mild exercise.
In the early stages, the pain may be localized around the heel or back of the leg. The doctor will perform a physical exam to assess the area and identify any problems that led to the injury. In addition, X-rays or MRI scans may be performed.
Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis may include swelling and a loss of range of motion when walking, running or flexing your foot. A patient experiencing pain with walking or running should immediately contact a health care provider. The healthcare provider will examine the affected area and may feel around the tendon to determine its location.
For treatment, the health care provider will prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the first seven days. It is ideal for taking these painkillers should be taken with food. However, avoiding taking them for extended periods is essential, as the drugs can cause ulcers.
Shin splints
Shin splints are one of the most common running injuries that occur. They are caused by repetitive stress to the shin bone, leading to tendon inflammation. They can be treated by resting, stretching, ice, and anti-inflammatory pain medications.
If you're experiencing shin splints, you'll notice a dull ache along the inner part of your lower leg, which is usually felt two-thirds of the way down the tibia and can be relieved by icing, which can help reduce swelling.
You can avoid shin splints by wearing athletic shoes that fit well and avoiding overuse. You can also use stretching exercises and strengthen your foot muscles to alleviate pain.
If your shins hurt when you're running, you should stop and take care of them as soon as possible. Runners are susceptible to shin splints, and women are more likely to develop them than men.
If your shins hurt, you should wear elastic compression bandages on the shins to support them. You can also apply ice every 3 to 4 hours for a few days to ease the swelling.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common running injuries. It involves the inflammation of the fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. It can be excruciating, especially at the start of a run.
If you experience symptoms, try stretching your feet. It would help if you did this three or four times a day until the pain subsided.
A physical therapist can help you develop a treatment plan. You may need to wear a supportive shoe or orthotic device and take anti-inflammatory medication. If you don't find relief, seek medical attention.
In the early stages of plantar fasciitis, you might be able to treat the condition at home. However, if the symptoms persist, you should visit a podiatrist. They can provide you with advice and recommend treatments that will speed up recovery.
In addition to stretching, you should avoid activities that cause repetitive stress to your foot, such as jogging. You should also avoid putting pressure on your feet by wearing uncomfortable shoes.
Ankle sprains
Running injuries are often due to a sudden change in speed or direction. Most runners can recover from foot and ankle injuries with rest and proper rehabilitation. But if the injury does not heal, or if it recurs, it is essential to get professional medical advice.
The ankle joint comprises three bones and a tough band of fibrous tissue known as the plantar fascia. It connects the heel bone to the toe bones. Ankle sprains occur when the ankle twists or rolls. The ligaments connecting the bones stretch and tear.
Ankle sprains typically cause pain and swelling. Swelling may continue for a few days. A runner with an ankle sprain will also have limited movement in the joint. It can become painful to run and can prevent the runner from continuing.
Some of these injuries can also be caused by choosing the wrong shoe. Hence we have a detailed shoe guide that helps you choose the shoe ideal for you.
