Common running injuries and how they are treated
While running is a great way to keep fit, the chances are you will experience an injury at some point.
The good news is that most injuries resolve with the right care and attention.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at some of the most common running injuries and treatment options to provide relief.
IT band syndrome
Your iliotibial band (also known as your IT band) is a band of connective tissue that goes from the outside of your hip to your knee. IT band syndrome is when the band rubs against your leg bone repeatedly, causing symptoms including:
- Intense pain on the outer side of your leg near the knee
- Tenderness in the area of your IT band
- Worsening pain when you bend your knee
Plantar fasciitis
The fascia is the thick layer of tissue on the bottom surface of your foot. When you run too much, plantar fasciitis, a painful condition, may develop. Symptoms include:
- Pain underneath your heel or the middle of your foot
- Burning sensation on the sole of your foot
- Pain that feels worse in the morning
- Pain that develops after extended activity
Runner’s knee
Runner’s knee, also known as patellofemoral syndrome, refers to pain at the front of your knee or around your kneecap.
The type of pain associated with runner’s knee can be described as:
- Dull
- Ranging from mild to very painful
- Gets worse when you sit down for too long
- Also gets worse when the knee is used for activities such as climbing the stairs, jumping or squatting
What treatment options are there for common running injuries?
If you experience a new injury or pain, the first thing to do is consult your doctor. They may advise one or more of the following treatment options:
- The RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation) (1)
- Physical therapy to target your injury and strengthen specific areas of your body
- Altering your running regime to make it less strenuous
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Common running injuries and osteopathy
Osteopathy is another option for treating common running injuries. It’s gentle, effective and targeted as your treatment plan will be tailored to your precise needs.
Your osteopath will have a number of different treatments they can use to help you with your injury.
These include:
- Osteopathy (structural adjustment, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage)
- Shockwave therapy
- Laser therapy
- Ultrasound therapy
When you come for your initial appointment, your osteopath will assess your overall health and specific needs and select a therapy or therapies that are the right fit for you.
Therapy designed with your individual needs in mind
If you’re affected by a running injury, call us at 403-814-0404 or book an appointment online at osteohealthcalgary.janeapp.com.
Osteopathy is an ideal therapy for active patients who are keen to return to their busy lifestyle, so why not give it a try?
Approved by Indira Ravaeva. Manual Osteopath. Member of National Manual Osteopathic Society and Osteopathy Australia.
References
1. WebMD website, ‘What Is the RICE Method for Injuries?’, April 24, 2021.
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/rice-method-injuries
Also used in research but not referenced in the article:
Healthline website, ‘The 8 Most Common Running Injuries,’ July 31, 2020.