Running is one of the best ways to stay in shape, it does wonders for your cardiovascular health and burns an enormous amount of calories helping you to manage your weight. Our bodies are built for running, and it can do incredible things like boost your immune system and manage your cholesterol. But running is still a high impact activity that can cause injury. Your feet, knees and spine are all impacted when you run and you can cause injury if you don’t run properly. Here are some common running injuries and how you can avoid them.
Common Knee Problems
Runner’s knee or patellofemoral pain syndrome happens when you irritate the cartilage of your kneecap. This alone makes up 45% of all running injuries, and it can happen to you if you’re not careful. The pain in your knee increases the more you run and it is caused from having the wrong shoes. If you’re shoes aren’t meant for running or you don’t have enough support you can find yourself in a great deal of pain. Where you run also matters, uneven surfaces like trail running can increase your risk. Always rest between runs too to avoid runner’s knee. Here is some help in choosing the right shoes to avoid runner’s knee.
Common Foot Problems
Plantar fasciitis happens when the tissues that connects your heel bone to your toes becomes inflamed. If you have tight Achilles tendon it puts you at a higher risk of getting plantar fasciitis. Once again this is an injury you can avoid with the right running shoes. It is more common in runners with flat feet or those who run long distances. Not only will this put a halt to your running it will also make walking difficult.
Common Leg Problems
One of the most common problems in your legs from running is shin splints. This gives you a sharp pain in your shins because your tibia becomes inflamed. It happens not only to runners but it is pretty common among tennis players as well. The pain can be constant or intermittent, but either way it will stop you in your tracks. Uneven roads or poor footwear can leave you with shin splints. Your stride can also cause this condition too.
These are the three most common injuries that come from running. Getting the right pair of running shoes with adequate support can drastically reduce your chances of getting any of them. Running is great for your mind and body, but not when it causes injury.