Common Running Injuries and How to Avoid Them

Running is the best way to get exercise. You can do it virtually anywhere in the world without the need for special equipment. Unfortunately, running can also take a toll on the body if you are not careful. Almost every runner is going to experience an injury at some point in their life. Taking proper care of your body after this injury occurs is the only way to get back to your active lifestyle. These are the four most common running injuries and how to treat them.

Runner’s Knee

Runner’s knee occurs when the kneecap is knocked out of alignment. This occurs when the cartilage on the kneecap start to wear down. You will feel pain in the front of the knee that gets worse as the knee becomes overworked. You may also start to hear popping and clicking noises when extending your leg. A physical therapy program is generally required to treat runner’s knee.

Shin Splints

Shin splints occur when the front of your leg becomes injured. You will notice pain, swelling and bruising along your shin bone. This condition is most commonly caused by overwork. Running on hard surfaces for an extended period of time can also cause shin splints. Rest is the best treatment. It is also a good idea to reduce the length of your runs when first coming back from shin splints.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is a condition that occurs when inflammation develops on the small tendon on your heel. This injury commonly occurs after ramping up the intensity of your workouts. Suddenly running several miles after years of short daily runs is a great way to develop Achilles tendonitis. You need to rest until the inflammation starts to go down in the tendon. Failing to rest can eventually lead to a ruptured Achilles.

IT Band Syndrome

The IT band is a long piece of connective tissue that connects the outer hip to the knee. The main purpose of the IT band is to stabilize the knee when running and walking. The repetitive nature of running can cause the IT band to weaken. The main symptoms of this injury are pain on the outside of the leg and hip. Rest and therapy will help fix your IT band problems.