Running is a common exercise which is beneficial for lower extremity strength and resilience. Despite its benefits, some research findings show that approximately 80% of runners experience injury related to the activity every year.
Therefore, taking measures to curb the associated risks is an important component of a runner's routine for a pain free activity.
Your Physical Therapist is an excellent source of advice and information on avoiding running injuries and optimizing your performance on the road and trails. Typical running injuries such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis are often a result of over exertion. Prolonged running sessions, with poor technique, improper footwear, and muscle imbalances subjects the body to increased strain which is highly associated with pain and injury.
Running injuries can cause long-term pain if not treated early or administered properly. Common running injuries include:
Various forms of treatments are available for all of these injuries and should be applied based on the type of pain or injury experienced. Preventative measures also play an important role. Popular running injury treatments and preventative strategies include:
Physical Therapy, a combination of rehabilitative activities and exercise designed to reduce pain and recover from injury, is commonly used to treat injuries such as runner's knee. Consult your Physical Therapist at Ascend Physical Therapy & Wellness if you think you may require physical therapy to treat a running injury, or wellness services as a preventative measure.