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Are you at risk for running-injuries?Especially in this economy, running is a popular, inexpensive and easy sport to adopt for fitness and weight loss: All you really need is a pair of shorts or sweats, a T-shirt, and some running shoes. But that accessibility often comes with a price, and that price out of pocket comes from paid visits to the MD office or PT clinic for the treatment of muscle spasms, increased back pain, shin splints, stress fractures, or other injuries to the lower extremities. Did you know? It takes 300 muscles in your body to stand up straight and most of us are generally out of alignment just trying to stand. What do you think happens with these muscles when you start to run?? Keep this fact in mind as you read the rest of this article on running-injuries... but take a quick moment here to subscribe and get on my ezine list for more great articles on treating common running-injuries and sports nutrition tips.
So let's get to it. Is there a subset of the population who should never run under any circumstances? Most of us have the capacity to run, but we don’t always get the immediate feedback when we’re doing it wrong that comes with other sports. Many people who take up running may not be ready for it biomechanically, or may be unaware of the stress their body will undergo every step of the way. A similar analogy can be made for someone who wishes to take up better eating and goes from eating a "McDonalds-type" fast food laden diet with practically ZERO fiber to switching to raw foods full of fiber. How do you think that'll do for that persons bowel habits? I'll say it, zero fiber to full of fiber will put your colon in distress real quick. Just like you might need a nutritionist to sort your diet plan out, you should consult a qualified physical therapy coach to evaluate your fitness for running.
Need more help with your diet to improve healing from running-injuries? Go here: Are you at Risk for Running-Injuries? As a PT I typically look at these groups who may be at increased risk for running-injuries. Females ("new moms") who’ve given birth in the last few years. Reason: They often go back to running without doing proper core or flexibility conditioning, and end up having quite a bit of ITB (ilio-tibial band) or SI (sacro-iliac) joint pain. It all has to do with how weak and unstable they are in their core and especially their hips. Adolescents or junior and high school age kids. Here's a list of other common problems involved with running-injuries:Adult Injuries related to runningITB-Syndrome Back Strain and Muscle Spasms Poor hydration / water needs with runners Hamstring Strain Exercises to Help with Running-Injuries:Foam Roller Stretches to help with running-injuries A progressive walk-run program to start your exercise program wisely
Questions about running-injuries??Like to comment on this article or do you have questions?Do you have a great story about this? Share it!
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