How to Treat Running Injuries

Running is the preferred form of exercise for millions of people. Every time you get on the treadmill or hit the pavement, you are engaging all of your major muscle groups and whipping your whole body into shape, and sustained aerobic activity can also improve cardiac function, help you sleep better, and lengthen your life. Running also presents endless opportunities for goal-setting, personal growth, and improved physical fitness. However, as any avid runner would tell you, it also puts you at risk of certain unpleasant injuries.

Stress Fractures

The continuous, repetitive physical motions involved in running often contribute to stress injuries, such as shin splints. These are different from normal muscle strain, which is to be expected when you engage in strenuous physical activity. Stress fractures of the foot and ankle are common for runners who run great distances or who have recently begun running again after a long period of inactivity. You may have a stress fracture if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Pain that intensifies as you are running and subsides when you are at rest
• Bruising or swelling of the ankle or foot
• Surface-level tenderness at the site of the injury

Runner’s Knees

Anyone can develop a runner’s knee. However, some athletes are particularly at risk, especially those who carry significant body weight or tend to pronate or supinate the feet, ankles, or legs while running. In short, any biological or physiological factors that put additional strain on your knees put you at greater risk of long-term knee damage. (And, in case you’re wondering, you can’t just push through this one.)

Plantar Fasciitis

It makes sense that running poses a significant risk to your feet, right? However, plantar fasciitis is much more serious than soreness, bruising, and war-torn toenails. If you have low arches or poor form when running, the tendons and ligaments in your feet may tear, rip, and swell. Back problems and core weaknesses can also contribute to development of plantar fasciitis. Many have argued that you can run through this one and push through the pain. While there may be an element of truth to this, you are always better off consulting a knowledgeable Aberdeen physical therapist before continuing to put heavy strain on an injury.

Aberdeen Physical Therapy for All Running Injuries

If you are a runner who has experienced an injury, don’t let it hold you back any longer. At ProFysio Physical Therapy, we know you want to get back out there, so we are committed to helping you recover as soon as possible. By evaluating your injuries and your form while running, our experienced Doctor of Physical Therapy can pinpoint the source of your injury and help you come up with a plan to regain your range of motion and ability to run normal distances. Whether you are being held back by stinging, burning, soreness, shin splints, or any other discomfort while running, let us help.