6 Most Common Running Injuries

Ronald Rook once said, “I don’t run to add days in my life. I run to add life to my days.” This is a sport that would eventually add value to your life. Do not let any injury stop you from unlocking the amazing benefits of this sport. Getting injuries is inevitable while playing any kind of sports. Having fair enough information about a few common ones help us become aware and cautious. Here is the list of common injuries that marathon runners experience. 

Runner’s Knee

The pain and the stiffness around your knee cap when the knee doesn’t move easily is termed as runner’s knee. It mainly occurs when we bend our knee repeatedly and do a lot of exercises that might stress the muscles. This injury is very common and can also occur when you fall or land, exerting your full boy weight on your knee. Applying cold compression is one of the cures that can help you ease out the pain. However one should see a doctor in case of any further injury.

Shin Splints

This is also referred to as tibial stress syndrome. Shin splints mainly refers to pain in your lower legs. It occurs due to running on hard surfaces with an extensive increase in speed. However, shin splints can be cured with adequate rest. It is also suggested to see a doctor if this hurt prevails for more than a week.

Ankle Sprain

Swelling, pain and bruising are the most common indicators of this injury. It generally occurs when ligaments between your leg and ankle is stretched more than its normal limit. A good warmup before you start a run is recommended to prevent a sprain.

Achilles Tendinitis

An injury in the tendon that connects your calf muscle to your heel is termed as Achilles tendinitis. The most common indicator is the continuous dull pain over your heel. It is advisable to quickly contact a physiotherapist if you feel you have this. If left untreated, this can cause a permanent rupture of the tendon.

Bruising

Especially for beginners, tripping is very common in the initial days of running. This often causes bruising. The pain near the bruise usually lasts for one week and fades away naturally. It is mainly caused due to excessive pressure on a certain part of your body while falling. This can be cured by cool compression to ease out the pain.

Hamstring Injury

A dull pain in the back of your upper leg is a significant indication of hamstring injury. Long-distance runners often face these kinds of injuries, but it is more common for sprinters. This causes stiffness in your hamstring and can be treated with warm compression over a period.

Fred Devito said, “If it does not challenge you, it won’t change you.”

Thus, you shouldn’t quit your journey of running due to injuries. While warmups can help you in preventing some injuries, one is bound to initially go wrong while starting any kind of sport. The more you practice, it would get better. 

Running as a sport in India does not have a core community that can help new runners to expand their knowledge base and master it. Bhaago India platform helps runners of all levels come together and build a core community to provide a one-stop solution to all the challenges that runners face.