Getting fit has become one of the most popular activities of the modern era. For many, a trip to the gymnasium or a run is the highlight of the day. But while fitness is to be admired and carries innumerable health benefits, activities like running carry risks of their own. Repeated impacts stress the whole lower body and lead to several common runners injuries.
Among the most frequent injuries encountered by regular runners are stress fractures. These typically occur in the bones of the leg and foot and are the result of repeated impacts as the feet hit the ground and the non-stop extension and contraction of those muscles that are joined to the bones. Usually these fractures are a very small crack in the bone and are sometimes known as hairline fractures.
Many runners will be acquainted with the pain down the front of the lower leg known as shin splints. Over-stressed muscles of the foot and lower leg precipitate inflammation of the membrane - the periosteum - that covers the tibia leading to pain. This is a common complaint and the term is applied to most pain at the front lower leg although it should really be applied only to pain down the front portion of the tibia itself.
Many runners suffer from a complaint that is commonly known as runners' knee. The pain is felt on the outside of the knee, especially when going downhill. It is caused by the constant rubbing and resultant inflammation of the tissue of the iliotibial band, which runs between the pelvis and the tibia; hence the condition's alternative name iliotibial band syndrome.
Around one in ten of all running injuries are the result of tendonitis of the Achilles tendon, the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. It is caused by the degeneration of the tissue in the tendon and is characterized by the gradual onset of pain that gets worse with increasing activity. Achilles tendonitis, or Achilles tendinopathy as it is also known, can take a long time to heal because blood flow to the affected area is restricted.
Male runners sometimes suffer from a particularly painful condition called planar fasciitis. Modern thinking is that it is caused by overuse or overstretching of the plantar fascia over time - the problem normally affects men once they attain the age of 40 years. The pain results from the breakdown of collagen fibers in that part of the plantar fascia that joins it to the heel.
With the increasing popularity of running as a pastime and the consequential increase in injuries, running shoe manufacturers have made great strides in the design of their products to help prevent injuries. New technology means that modern running shoes minimize the effects of impact and common foot defects such as fallen arches. The right shoe, therefore, can help a runner avoid injury.
Of course, common runners injuries will always be a risk. However, if runners take precautions like warming up properly or wearing the correct shoe, the risk can be reduced. Runners should also recognize when they are injured and seek treatment to hasten the healing process so that they can run without pain again.
Among the most frequent injuries encountered by regular runners are stress fractures. These typically occur in the bones of the leg and foot and are the result of repeated impacts as the feet hit the ground and the non-stop extension and contraction of those muscles that are joined to the bones. Usually these fractures are a very small crack in the bone and are sometimes known as hairline fractures.
Many runners will be acquainted with the pain down the front of the lower leg known as shin splints. Over-stressed muscles of the foot and lower leg precipitate inflammation of the membrane - the periosteum - that covers the tibia leading to pain. This is a common complaint and the term is applied to most pain at the front lower leg although it should really be applied only to pain down the front portion of the tibia itself.
Many runners suffer from a complaint that is commonly known as runners' knee. The pain is felt on the outside of the knee, especially when going downhill. It is caused by the constant rubbing and resultant inflammation of the tissue of the iliotibial band, which runs between the pelvis and the tibia; hence the condition's alternative name iliotibial band syndrome.
Around one in ten of all running injuries are the result of tendonitis of the Achilles tendon, the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. It is caused by the degeneration of the tissue in the tendon and is characterized by the gradual onset of pain that gets worse with increasing activity. Achilles tendonitis, or Achilles tendinopathy as it is also known, can take a long time to heal because blood flow to the affected area is restricted.
Male runners sometimes suffer from a particularly painful condition called planar fasciitis. Modern thinking is that it is caused by overuse or overstretching of the plantar fascia over time - the problem normally affects men once they attain the age of 40 years. The pain results from the breakdown of collagen fibers in that part of the plantar fascia that joins it to the heel.
With the increasing popularity of running as a pastime and the consequential increase in injuries, running shoe manufacturers have made great strides in the design of their products to help prevent injuries. New technology means that modern running shoes minimize the effects of impact and common foot defects such as fallen arches. The right shoe, therefore, can help a runner avoid injury.
Of course, common runners injuries will always be a risk. However, if runners take precautions like warming up properly or wearing the correct shoe, the risk can be reduced. Runners should also recognize when they are injured and seek treatment to hasten the healing process so that they can run without pain again.
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