Get Back On Track: How To Treat Running Injuries

How to treat running injuries: man sitting on stairs drinking water after running outside

Any seasoned runner knows that injuries can be an unfortunate part of the process. Whether it’s a sprained ankle, shin splints, or knee pain, these disruptions can be a huge setback.

Various treatment methods can expedite your recovery from running injuries and help you regain your stride.

In this article, we will delve into the various ways to treat running injuries and provide insights on how to safely resume your running routine post-injury.

Rest and Recovery

The first and most crucial step in recovering from a running injury is giving your body ample time to rest and recuperate. This involves taking a temporary hiatus from running and any other activities that might exacerbate the injury.

When we exercise, our muscles experience microscopic tears, and rest allows them to repair and grow stronger. Adequate rest also replenishes energy stores and reduces the risk of overuse injuries, ensuring long-term health and performance gains.

RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is a simple and effective way to treat injuries. Resting gives the body time to heal, while applying ice, using compression bandages, and elevating the injured area helps reduce swelling and pain, getting runners back on their feet faster.

Nutrition and Hydration

While rest and rehabilitative exercises are crucial components of recovery, the role of nutrition and hydration should not be overlooked.

  • Hydrate: Drink water before, during, and after your session to stay hydrated.
  • Protein Intake: Eat protein-rich foods like chicken, fish, or tofu for muscle repair.
  • Carbohydrates: Include carbs like whole grains and fruits to replenish energy stores.
  • Antioxidants: Eat foods rich in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens, to fight inflammation.
  • Nutrient-Dense Foods: Prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods to provide essential vitamins and minerals for optimal recovery.

Proper nutrition provides essential nutrients that support tissue repair and overall healing. Ensure you’re consuming a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to aid in the recovery process. Additionally, staying hydrated is vital for maintaining tissue elasticity and facilitating nutrient transport to injured areas.

Address Underlying Biomechanical Issues

In some cases, running injuries may be the result of underlying biomechanical issues such as muscle imbalances, poor running form, or improper footwear.

Addressing underlying biomechanical issues involves identifying and correcting imbalances or dysfunctions in the body’s movement patterns that may contribute to running injuries. Here’s a deeper dive into this important aspect of injury prevention and rehabilitation:

1) Gait Analysis:

A comprehensive gait analysis involves assessing how you move while running. This may include observing your foot strike pattern, stride length, cadence, and overall running mechanics.

By identifying any abnormalities or inefficiencies in your gait, such as overpronation, supination, or excessive hip drop, a physical therapist or running coach can recommend specific interventions to improve your running form and reduce the risk of injury.

2) Muscle Imbalances:

Muscle imbalances occur when certain muscles are stronger or weaker than their opposing muscles, leading to altered movement patterns and increased stress on joints and soft tissues.

Common examples in runners include weak glutes, tight hip flexors, or overactive quadriceps. Targeted strength training exercises, stretching routines, and corrective drills can help address these imbalances, restore muscle symmetry, and improve overall biomechanical function.

3) Footwear Assessment:

Wearing the right shoes can play a significant role in preventing running injuries. An assessment of your footwear, including factors such as shoe type, cushioning, support, and fit, can help ensure that you’re wearing the most appropriate shoes for your foot type and running style.

Orthotics are tailored shoe inserts that rectify any biomechanical abnormalities and alleviate stress on the affected muscles and joints. Braces serve to immobilize and protect the injured area, enabling it to heal properly.

For runners with specific biomechanical issues, such as excessive pronation or high arches, custom orthotics or specialized footwear may be recommended to provide additional support and stability.

4) Running Form Correction:

Improper running form can contribute to a variety of injuries, including shin splints, IT band syndrome, and plantar fasciitis.

Through targeted drills and technique cues, you can learn to optimize your running mechanics, including maintaining an upright posture, landing with a midfoot strike, and engaging core muscles for stability.

Working with a knowledgeable coach or physical therapist can help you identify and address any form deficiencies to improve efficiency and reduce injury risk.

5) Functional Movement Assessment:

Beyond running-specific movements, a functional movement assessment evaluates your overall mobility, stability, and coordination in various functional tasks. This may involve assessing squatting, lunging, jumping, and single-leg balance abilities to identify any movement dysfunctions or compensations that could predispose you to injury.

Addressing these underlying movement patterns through targeted corrective exercises and mobility drills can help enhance your body’s ability to move efficiently and withstand the demands of running.

Benefits of Working With A Physical Therapist

Working with a physical therapist or sports medicine specialist can help identify and address these issues to prevent future injuries. They can provide gait analysis, recommend corrective exercises, and offer guidance on proper footwear selection to optimize your running mechanics and reduce the risk of injury recurrence.

At The Jackson Clinics, we have foot/ankle specialists on staff in the Northern Virginia area who offer specialized running exams and can make custom orthotics right for you.

Rehabilitative Exercises

Rehabilitative exercises are like superheroes for treating running injuries. By targeting specific areas affected by the injury, these exercises promote proper biomechanics and overall athletic performance.

The right exercise for you is dependent on the specific injury and its severity.

  • Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening exercises target muscles that support the injured area. For example, for knee injuries like runner’s knee, exercises such as leg lifts, squats, and lunges can help strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.
  • Stretching and Flexibility Exercises: Stretching exercises help improve flexibility and range of motion, reducing muscle tension and preventing further injury. Examples include calf stretches, hamstring stretches, and IT band stretches for conditions like shin splints or IT band syndrome.
  • Balance and Stability Exercises: Balance and stability exercises help improve proprioception and coordination, reducing the risk of re-injury. These may include single-leg balance exercises, balance board drills, or stability ball exercises.
  • Low-Impact Cardio: Low-impact cardiovascular exercises like swimming, cycling, or using an elliptical machine can maintain cardiovascular fitness without exacerbating the injury.
  • Foam Rolling and Self-Myofascial Release: Foam rolling and self-myofascial release techniques can help release tension in tight muscles and improve tissue mobility. This can be beneficial for conditions like plantar fasciitis or tight calves.

These exercises not only speed up recovery but also prevent future injuries by making the body more resilient.

Cross-Training

Cross-training can be a valuable addition to your rehabilitation regimen and ongoing training routine. Engaging in activities such as swimming, cycling, or strength training can help maintain cardiovascular fitness, build strength in supportive muscle groups, and reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Cross-training also provides a mental break from running while still allowing you to stay active and work towards your fitness goals.

Gradual Return to Running

Once your injury has sufficiently healed and you’ve completed your rehabilitation program, it’s essential to ease back into running gradually. Rushing back into full training intensity too soon can lead to re-injury or exacerbate existing issues. Start with shorter, low-intensity runs, gradually increasing distance and intensity as tolerated. Listen to your body and pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain, adjusting your training accordingly.

Prioritize Recovery and Injury Prevention

By implementing these strategies, you can expedite your recovery from running injuries and build a strong foundation for injury prevention and long-term running success.

It’s important to consult with a physical therapist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific injury and condition. At The Jackson Clinics, we can provide personalized guidance and guide you through exercises, so they are performed safely and effectively.

Did you know you have Direct Access* to Physical Therapy? No referral, no problem!

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Remember, patience and consistency are key, and prioritizing your health and well-being will ultimately contribute to your growth and enjoyment as a runner.