As with any athletic pursuit, running comes with the risk of potentially serious injuries. For most runners, however, this risk is far outweighed by the health benefits of exercise. Sports injuries suffered when running need to be treated as soon as possible to avoid further harm and to return to peak form faster. Here are three common running injuries discussed in more detail.
A Guide to Common Running Injuries
- Runner’s Knee
Runner’s knee or patellofemoral pain syndrome is a general term that encompasses any type of pain in the front portion of the knee and around the patella (kneecap). It can result from damage to the cartilage under the kneecap caused by the physical impact of frequent running. This can soften or wear down the cartilage. Pain can also result from patellar malalignment due to poor tracking of the patella caused by alignment problems, muscle weakness or muscle imbalance. Don’t ignore runner’s knee or attempt to push through the pain. Even walking may become uncomfortable, so make it a priority to see an orthopedic doctor for diagnosis and treatment. - Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain occurs when the ankle rolls or twists. This is one of the more common sports injuries, especially in running. The feet and ankles support the weight of the entire body, and that’s a considerable load to bear with quick, successive, high-impact steps. The ankle can easily turn out awkwardly when a runner doesn’t get a strong enough foothold. The ligaments (fibrous tissues that connect the bones) of the ankle are injured in an ankle sprain. The lateral (outside of the ankle) ligaments are more commonly involved. The injury can range from a slight stretch to complete tearing. Accurate diagnosis to determine the extent of the injury and to be sure there are no associated fractures or joint cartilage damage is important. An ankle sprain requires immediate care. Proper treatment by an orthopedic doctor can help you get back to running as quickly as possible. - Lower Back Pain
The repetitive and intense movements of the legs and the impact of the feet repeatedly making forceful contact with the ground can often be felt in the lower back. The strained muscles can cause aching or tenderness to touch. You may experience muscle spasms or limitation in your range of motion. The repetitive pounding of running can also exacerbate an existing back problem like degenerative disc disease. In addition to lower back pain you may experience pain that radiates into your buttocks or legs. Persistent or radiating pain should be evaluated by a doctor. Since back pain can make it challenging to even lie down comfortably in certain positions, you will want to see an orthopedic doctor to help you recover and return to your normal activities.
If you’re a runner suffering from an injury, contact Advanced Orthopaedic Associates in Wayne, NJ. Since 2000, they’ve been serving patients throughout Passaic, Bergen, and Morris counties. Their orthopedic doctors offer treatments for a variety of conditions, including sports injuries, bone fractures, back pain, and arthritis. Call (973) 839-5700 to learn more about our practice or to schedule an appointment
