The popular of running as a recreational sport has exploded. On any given day in central Ohio, you are likely to find people out running. There are literally thousands of casual and competitive runners in the Columbus area. My question to you is how many of those thousands of people are running with pain? The research shows that 82% of runners get injured. This is an amazing statistic when you think about it. Imagine 82% of office workers getting carpal tunnel, or 82% of football players sustaining a concussion. You would certainly hear about those numbers, but for runners, pain is just something that you expect to have to deal with at some point.
Many of these injuries are avoidable. The vast majority of running injuries are overuse injuries (think about the number of steps a runner takes during a marathon). During all these steps, the majority of the time you are on one foot, and you are coming down with a force at least 4x that of walking. What happens when you form is less than perfect? What happens when you lack the necessary range of motion at the ankle or hip? Injury happens! Welcome to the 82%.
The type of injuries that are incurred in a runner really depends on the type of running that is being done. There is a vast difference in the types of injuries seen between the casual runner, the long distance/marathon runner, the cross-country runner, and the short distance sprinter.
Some of the most common problems that occur in many runners include:
The importance of having your gait and running form evaluated can’t be overstated. If you have not yet developed one of the problems above or some other painful condition, then count yourself lucky and then get screened. This is certainly a case where prevention is the best medicine. Most running injuries are difficult to resolve without ceasing your running for an extended period of time and extensive treatment. If you are having pain, find a practitioner that is skilled in advanced soft tissue techniques, such as Active Release and Graston Technique. These treatments have an excellent track record with running injuries. Please contact us and see how we can help.
Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), tibial periostitis or shin splints is a common injury that affects athletes who engage in running sports or physical activity. This condition is characterized by pain in the lower part of the leg between the knee and the ankle. The pain usually is worst at the beginning of a run and progressively gets better if the athlete runs through the pain (but not a good idea). Shin Splints can usually be attributed to overloading the muscles of the lower extremities or to biomechanical irregularities. Irritation develops from the pulling and tearing of the connective tissue when muscles of the lower leg meet the shin bone.
This is an overuse, repetitive stress injury, so total volume plays a huge role. However there are many contributing factors that will accelerate this process including:
The importance of having your gait and running form evaluated can’t be overstated. If you have not yet developed shin splints or some other painful condition, then count yourself lucky and then get screened. Remember 82% of runners end up injured. This is certainly a case where prevention is the best medicine. Most running injuries are difficult to resolve without ceasing your running for an extended period of time and extensive treatment. If you are having pain, find a practitioner that is skilled in advanced soft tissue techniques, such as Active Release and Graston Technique. These treatments have an excellent track record with running injuries. Kinesio-taping is also highly effective treatment for this condition. Please contact us and see how we can help.
This is a problem that normally presents as pain on the outside of the leg that can go from just below the knee all the way up to the hip. Common to runners and cyclists, it usually becomes noticeable about a mile or two into a run or ride. Can co-present with hip bursitis or patella femoral pain, and is not unique just to athletes; can be seen in anyone with tightness in the lateral thighs or imbalances in the hip musculature.
It’s important to realize that pain in the lateral hip is not a diagnosis, and ITB syndrome is an incomplete diagnosis. A thorough history and evaluation throughout the kinetic chain, is necessary to accurately identify the issue. Is there over-pronation of the foot? Does the patient lack hip extension? Does the patient loose lateral stability on one foot? Do they run on uneven surfaces or are they using the appropriate footwear for them? These are crucial questions to answer because they are why the problem is happening, and if not address pain will return.
Our doctors specialize in advance soft tissue treatments such as Active Release Technique and Graston Technique that have a proven track record of successful resolution of ITB syndrome without the need of drugs or surgery. We are also a provider of custom foot orthotics from Foot Levelers. Please contact us and see how we can help.
