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Common Running Injuries: What Every Runner Should Do to Prevent Them

by | Mar 24, 2024 | News

running injuries icon with runner stride

Spring is in the air, and with it comes the irresistible urge to hit the pavement. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, injuries can be a real pain. But fear not! By understanding how your body works and making a few simple changes, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting sidelined.

Let’s clear up a common misconception: running isn’t bad for your knees or hips. In fact, regular running can actually help protect your joints. But like any activity, it’s important to do it right.

Common Running Injuries

Some of the most common running injuries we treat include:

Shin splints: An overuse injury among runners. It causes pain along the shinbone, often felt at the start of a run and worsening as you go. The pain is typically brought on by repetitive impact on the hard surfaces, increasing running intensity too quickly, or wearing inadequate footwear.

Knee pain: Overuse, improper form, weak muscles, and worn-out shoes can contribute to knee pain.

Achilles tendinitis: Is an inflammation of the tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel. It often occurs due to overuse, especially in runners.

Plantar fasciitis: A common foot condition causing heel pain, often worse in the morning. It’s caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes.

These often occur when your body is stressed beyond its limits. Think of your muscles and tendons like rubber bands; overstretch them, and they snap. Stay tuned for more posts about these in our upcoming blogs.

Building a Strong Foundation

To prevent injuries, we need to build a strong foundation. This starts with strength training. Exercises like squats, lunges, and calf raises will help your muscles support the impact of running. Plyometrics, or jump training, can also be beneficial but it may have an impact on your knee if you are not careful. Imagine running as a series of tiny jumps and how your muscles would currently handle that; stronger muscles can handle this better.

Another crucial element is a dynamic warm-up. This gets your body ready for action and helps prevent injuries. Think of it as tuning up your car before a long drive. A simple routine of leg swings, high knees, and arm circles can make a big difference.

Find Your Perfect Pace

Your running form is also key. Aim for a lower, more efficient stride, and try to increase your cadence (the number of steps per minute). This can reduce the impact on your joints. Experiment with using a metronome app to help you find your optimal pace.

Load management is essential, too. Gradually increasing your mileage is safer than jumping in headfirst. A good rule of thumb is to increase your weekly mileage by no more than 10%.

Fuel Your Body

Your body is a high-performance machine, and like any machine, it needs the right fuel to operate optimally. Proper nutrition is essential for endurance, recovery, and overall running performance. Focus on a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle repair, and healthy fats for sustained energy. Don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your runs.

Experiment with different foods to find what works best for you. Some runners prefer pre-run breakfasts with complex carbohydrates like oatmeal or whole-grain toast, while others opt for lighter options like fruit or yogurt. Post-run, refuel with a combination of carbohydrates and protein to aid muscle recovery. Remember, consistency is key. By providing your body with the nutrients it needs, you’ll not only improve your running performance but also enhance your overall well-being.

Don’t Forget About Your Footwear

While there’s no one-size-fits-all shoe, it’s important to replace your running shoes every 400-500 miles.

By incorporating these tips into your running routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury and enjoy the many benefits of this fantastic sport. Remember, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing persistent pain or suspect any running injuries.

Dr. Kevin Spahr

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Kevin at ProTherapy is excellent! He is able to listen to feedback and discern next steps for meeting clients where they are at on their healing journey. He really cares about his client's wellness. His guidance as been spot on and appreciated! I will recommend ProTherapy to family and friends.
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I was referred to PRO Therapy by my chiropractor. I was in desperate need of a good PT after very minimal mediocre treatment at another well known clinic. My first visit I knew my experience would be different with PRO Therapy. There was adequate time to share the history following my knee injury and I felt like I was taken seriously. Dr. Spahr formulated a plan that I was comfortable with and we were off. He made it clear that he wanted to see if we could truly heal the knee without another cortisone injection. I love that I felt included in my treatment plan and am always asked if I have questions about what we’re doing. Dr. Spahr is very good at what he does, he’s super knowledgeable for sure! He has a very good and natural ability to meet you where you’re at and moving at a pace that works for your body. My knee issues are resolving at a remarkable pace without another cortisone injection! When I started with PRO Therapy, I thought at the end of it all I would likely need another injection but that’s not the case at all. I would absolutely recommend you give PRO Therapy a try if you’re considering. I’ve referred my husband and can’t wait to see what kind of results he will have. Thanks Dr. Spahr!
Linda S.
I had the pleasure of working with Dr Kalvin,I had tendinitis in my knee and hamstring, after 6wks of P.T my pain level went from a 10 down to a 1. He was absolutely amazing, very informative and patient with me. Thank you so much for taking care of me 💖
Knel L.
Went in for help with my knee as it usually gets tight when I run. We went through a few sessions and honed in on what the problem potentially is. Dr. Kelvyn pointed a few things out that I wouldn't have figured out myself. Since the problem is probably form and/or muscle related it won't be an overnight fix. I get a set of exercises to do each visit that address my areas of weakness. It was good working with Dr. Kelvyn and definitely recommend checking out PRO Therapy
Debbie E.
I had 5 sessions of physical ther6with Dr Kelvin. This was my first experience. I felt listened to & he made every effort helpful my symptoms. I enjoyed the dry needeling experience. I have had some pain rein these 5 sessions and look forward to more progress with the exercises he gave me to do this winter while snowbirds. Clean clinic and friendly staff. Much appreciated. Thank you,
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Susan I.
I strongly recommend Pro Therapy for anyone seeking physical therapy treatment. I have worked with several of the therapists at Pro Therapy and have been very pleased with all of them and the treatments they prescribed. I had PT for my shoulder, pre and post hip replacement surgery, and most recently I have been working with Dr. Spahr for back pain. He has combined exercise with other treatments such as dry needling and types of massage. My pain lessened and became manageable very quickly. With continued treatments almost all my back pain was gone and I was able to return to physical chores such as gardening.
My goal after hip surgery was to be able to walk 8 miles on uneven surfaces. Pro therapy helped me to achieve that. Besides being very successful therapists, they are very friendly, good listeners, and are easy to work with. I am very happy with all the treatments I have received there, will definitely go back to them if need be, and without a doubt recommend them to anyone in need of physical therapy.
Dylan P.
Kevin helped me alleviate muscular compensation patterns I had developed from an old injury. For years I had endured pain as a byproduct from those compensations and had visited numerous physical therapists/chiropractors to no avail. Kevin was the first PT that I felt was actually listening to what I thought was going on with my body and together we built a working theory on identifying the issues and fixing them. He suggested I pair my physical therapy with chiropractic through north suburban healthcare (same building) and two months later I feel like I can see the light again. My physical therapy exercises are not exacerbating my symptoms like they used to from other PTs, and I finally feel like I am rebuilding a solid foundation to eventually enjoy the active lifestyle I have been missing out on for years. In short, if you feel like you are at the end of your rope, give Pro therapy a shot. I’m glad I did.
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