The most common injuries that runners get are overuse injuries, which are caused by repetitive stress on the body. These types of injuries can not only affect your running, but impact day to day life as well. Some of the most common overuse injuries that runners may experience include:
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Plantar fasciitis: This is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot. It is often caused by overpronation, or flattening of the arch, and can cause heel pain.
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Shin splints: This is a common injury that affects the muscles and tendons in the lower legs. It is often caused by overuse and can cause pain along the shin bone.
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Runner's knee: This is a type of knee pain that is caused by overuse or misalignment of the knee. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including weak quadriceps muscles, tight hamstrings, or improper running form.
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Iliotibial band syndrome: This is an inflammation of the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh. It is often caused by overuse and can cause pain on the outside of the knee.
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Hamstring strains: This is a common injury that affects the muscles in the back of the thigh. It can be caused by overuse, improper warm-up, or tightness in the muscles.
By taking steps to prevent overuse injuries, such as using proper running form, wearing supportive shoes, and incorporating strength and flexibility training into your routine, you can reduce your risk of these common injuries.
If you're suffering from a running injury one of the best recommendations is working with a physical therapist. A physical therapist can help to develop a personalized rehab plan to address your specific injury and help you return to running safely.
LEVER and Body Weight Support can be a great tool to not only prevent injuries in your training cycle, but help you come back from injuries faster.