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Common running injuries
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Common running injuries

13 Nov Common running injuries

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Running is a great way to stay fit and healthy, but it can also be hard on your body. Repetitive overuse of muscles, tendons, and joints can lead to injuries, especially if you’re not careful.

If you’re a runner, it’s important to be aware of the most common running injuries and how to prevent them. But if you do get injured, it’s important to seek professional help from an Allied Health Practitioner (AHP).

What is an Allied Health Practitioner?

AHPs are health professionals who work with people to improve their physical and mental health. They include a wide range of practitioners, such as Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Dietitians, and Myotherapists.

AHPs can play a vital role in helping runners to prevent and manage injuries. They can assess your running technique, identify any biomechanical problems, and develop a treatment plan to help you recover from injury and get back to running safely.

Common running injuries

The following are some of the most common running injuries:

  • Runner’s knee: This is a condition that causes pain around the kneecap. It is caused by inflammation of the patellar tendon, which is the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone.
  • Shin splints: This is a condition that causes pain along the inner edge of the shinbone. It is caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in the shin area.
  • Plantar fasciitis: This is a condition that causes pain in the heel and arch of the foot. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.
  • Achilles tendinitis: This is a condition that causes pain in the back of the heel. It is caused by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which is the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone.
  • Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome: This is a condition that causes pain on the outside of the knee. It is caused by inflammation of the iliotibial band, which is a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh and knee.
How an Allied Health Practitioner can help

AHPs can help runners to prevent and manage running injuries in a number of ways. They can:

  • Assess your running technique: AHPs can assess your running technique to identify any biomechanical problems that may be contributing to your injury risk. They can then provide you with advice and exercises to help you improve your running technique.
  • Develop a treatment plan: If you are injured, an AHP can develop a treatment plan to help you recover and get back to running safely. This may include hands-on therapy, such as massage and manipulation, as well as exercises and stretches.
  • Provide advice on injury prevention: AHPs can provide you with advice on how to prevent running injuries. This may include advice on training, footwear, and nutrition.
Here are some specific examples of how AHPs can help with common running injuries:

Runner’s knee: A Physiotherapist can assess your running technique and identify any biomechanical problems that may be contributing to your runner’s knee. They can then provide you with exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee and improve your running technique.

Shin splints: A Podiatrist can assess your feet and footwear to identify any problems that may be contributing to your shin splints. They can also provide you with orthotics (shoe inserts) to help support your feet and arches.

Plantar fasciitis: A Myotherapist can provide massage therapy to help reduce inflammation and pain in the heel and arch of the foot. They can also provide you with stretches and exercises to help strengthen the plantar fascia and improve your flexibility.

Achilles tendinitis: A Physiotherapist can develop a treatment plan to help you recover from Achilles tendinitis. This may include exercises to strengthen the calf muscle and Achilles tendon, as well as stretches to improve your flexibility.

ITB syndrome: A Myotherapist can provide massage therapy to help reduce inflammation and pain in the ITB. They can also provide you with stretches and exercises to help improve your flexibility and range of motion.

If you are a runner and you are experiencing pain, it is important to seek professional help from an AHP. They can help you to diagnose your injury, develop a treatment plan, and get back to running safely.

Tips for preventing running injuries

Here are some tips for preventing running injuries:

  • Warm up before you run: Warming up helps to prepare your body for exercise and reduce your risk of injury.
  • **Cool down
It is important to note that the specific interventions and strategies employed by any medical practitioner will depend on the individual’s unique needs. Each practitioner in a care team will work collaboratively with each other to provide comprehensive care and support for the individual.
If there is a part of your condition or injury that you are struggling to understand, be sure to seek clarification with your medical professional. None of the information in this article is a replacement for proper medical advice. Always seek advice from your trusted medical professional regarding your health and/or medical conditions.