Run Healthy, Prevent Injury
Running is a great means of exercise, recreation, and sport participation for adults and children. As the weather improves and people spend their time outdoors running and training, the risk of injuries also increase. Whether you are maintaining your daily exercise regimen or training for a marathon or track event, running, when done properly, can enhance your physical coordination, fitness, sense of accomplishment and physical and emotional development. Even so, running with inadequate equipment or while in pain can cause a variety of injuries and physical stress.
Common running injuries include knee injuries like tendonitis and knee pain as well as lower leg pain like shin splints, stress fractures and calf pain. In addition, it is common for runners to occasionally have foot and ankle injuries like sprains, heal pain, and plantar fasciitis. Pelvic and hip injuries can also occur in runners varying from muscle pulls to groin pain, and in children sometimes growth plate stress injuries arise. One major organ in your body, your skin, also is susceptible to injury especially when outdoors. Heat rash and sunburns may seem minor, but dehydration and heat stroke can be very serious.
Signs that you may have an injury like those previously listed could begin with just minor discomfort when running. However, if the pain continues, gets worse or you notice pain even while resting, you may have a more serious problem. Furthermore, if you start having trouble sleeping, walking or breathing you should seriously consider consulting a sports medicine expert. It is important to stop running if you experience these signs or feel you may have an injury. Pushing through your pain only makes the problem worse, which will potentially keep you from running for a long period of time. However, stopping when there is a problem and correcting it will get you back running again in the quickest and safest amount of time. Most of the time, running injuries can be easily treated if they are attended to quickly. If you ever experience any problems during or after running, it is important to consult a sports medicine professional immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Proper planning and safety can help you prevent future injuries. Develop a running plan with a trainer or coach and make a strategy that is compatible with your goal and your current level of fitness. Remember to stay hydrated, stretch properly and ease into your running pace. Wear flexible, breathable clothing and if outdoors, consider wearing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen when needed. Proper socks and thickness will help avoid irritation and blisters. Moreover, it is very important to wear appropriate shoes with good support in the arches that fit well and are comfortable. If necessary, wear orthotic shoe inserts for increased support.
ProForm is available to answer any questions you have about injury prevention or help assess your running injuries and get back on your feet!
