'Running' into Trouble
The weather has cooled and it just feels like a good time to lace up the running shoes, put on that
designer running suit (with matching head band), and strap on the ipod for some serious road work.
You’re feeling good, looking good, and thinking of taking on the challenge of a race. All of a sudden
pain puts the brakes on your plans. “How can this happen to me, I’m in such good shape?”
Runners and joggers have a high incidence of injuries. Most of these maladies are preventable and manageable. The key to long term, pain free enjoyment of running is to diagnose the underlying problems that are causing the pain and take proper action. The first place is often the most obvious; the running shoes. Using worn out, ill fit, or improper shoes can significantly contribute to pain. Shoe problems can manifest in the foot, knee, hip, and back.
The knee is probably the area most commonly injured. Many structures can be at fault and this is definitely an area where close assessment can be critical. The fact that you have “knee” pain is only the beginning. Strength, flexibility, coordination, mechanics, as well as shoes can all play a part in the dysfunction. Most problems can be corrected with intervention. Other types of knee pain can be just as painful and frustrating. Problems at one joint will influence stress at joints up or down the chain. Things such as plantar fasciatis, hip and knee tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis, “shin splints”, and pelvis/back pain are all common problems experienced by runners. The actual place where the pain is felt is rarely where the actual problem lies.
The body is a remarkable machine capable of withstanding tremendous stress and recovering from significant injury. But like any machine, when abused, it will fail. It is important to realize when the body needs rest or when it just needs to be worked smarter. Running is a great activity that builds strength, endurance, controls weight, and promotes general health. Running pain can be easily diagnosed, and often easily remedied. Could your running machine use a good assessment?
Runners and joggers have a high incidence of injuries. Most of these maladies are preventable and manageable. The key to long term, pain free enjoyment of running is to diagnose the underlying problems that are causing the pain and take proper action. The first place is often the most obvious; the running shoes. Using worn out, ill fit, or improper shoes can significantly contribute to pain. Shoe problems can manifest in the foot, knee, hip, and back.
The knee is probably the area most commonly injured. Many structures can be at fault and this is definitely an area where close assessment can be critical. The fact that you have “knee” pain is only the beginning. Strength, flexibility, coordination, mechanics, as well as shoes can all play a part in the dysfunction. Most problems can be corrected with intervention. Other types of knee pain can be just as painful and frustrating. Problems at one joint will influence stress at joints up or down the chain. Things such as plantar fasciatis, hip and knee tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis, “shin splints”, and pelvis/back pain are all common problems experienced by runners. The actual place where the pain is felt is rarely where the actual problem lies.
The body is a remarkable machine capable of withstanding tremendous stress and recovering from significant injury. But like any machine, when abused, it will fail. It is important to realize when the body needs rest or when it just needs to be worked smarter. Running is a great activity that builds strength, endurance, controls weight, and promotes general health. Running pain can be easily diagnosed, and often easily remedied. Could your running machine use a good assessment?
