At The Functional Podiatrist, we see a lot of runners who have been sidelined by injuries. While there are many different types of injuries that can occur during running, there are a few that are particularly common. In this blog post, we'll outline the five most common running injuries, and we will delve into prevention and treatment in future posts in the coming weeks.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the bottom of the foot, particularly in the heel. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.
Shin Splints are a common injury that causes pain in the front of the lower leg. This injury is caused by inflammation of the muscles and tendons that attach to the shinbone.
IT Band Syndrome is a condition that causes pain on the outside of the knee. It is caused by inflammation of the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh.
Runner's Knee is a common injury that causes pain around the kneecap. This injury is caused by irritation of the cartilage under the kneecap.
Achilles Tendonitis is a condition that causes pain in the back of the ankle. It is caused by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
Prevention is key when it comes to running injuries. It's important to warm up properly before running, and to wear appropriate shoes that provide good support. It's also important to increase your mileage gradually, and to incorporate strength training exercises into your routine to help prevent injury.
If you do experience an injury, it's important to seek treatment right away. This may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation, or other forms of treatment. With the right care, most running injuries can be successfully treated, allowing you to get back to running as soon as possible.