COMMON RUNNING PROBLEMS AND SOLUTION

There is nothing I love more in this world than waking up bright and early and going for a run. When I was in high school, I ran track and cross country up until my senior year. Running is not only a great way to relieve stress, it is also a great workout. It keeps you in shape, doesn’t require any equipment, and unlike going to a gym, you can run anywhere at any time.

Here Are Reasons to Love Running

Longevity

Running has been known to increase longevity. Every one hour of running can add as much as seven hours to a person’s lifespan.

Great Workout

Nothing burns more calories than running. While many spend hours at the gym lifting weights, doing crunches, and pushups, never getting the full results they are looking for, one hour of running burns twice as many calories as three hours spent at the gym.

Boosts your Mood

Often when I’m running, I’ve noticed seeing other runners with happy smiles on their faces, that’s because studies have proven that running causes the brain to produce more Endocannabinoids, this increases your pleasure, giving you almost a high like feeling.

Problems Runners Commonly Face

Runners commonly face foot related problems, such as fasciitis, tendonitis, or some sort of nerve injury. Often many of these problems can be easily fixed by cutting back on running, or the proper footwear. Often, surgery is required to fix the problem, which can be a fairly simple procedure that will only take an hour. The concept of getting surgery scares some people, but it’s really nothing to worry about. Millions of people have foot surgery every year.

The surgery usually will take place in a small operating room. The room will be equipped with a mayo stand to allow the surgeon to conveniently access any tools he needs. The surgery should last no longer than two hours, and by the time you wake up you have zero recollection of what had happened.

Most Common Running Foot Injuries & Their Recovery Time

Plantar Fasciitis

If you happen to feel a stabbing sensation in the arch of your foot, or if you’re foot easily tightens up, you could possibly have Plantar Fasciitis. The pain is caused by a tear in the plantar fascia; this type of injury is common in people who run frequently.

Recovery Time

Massages, icing, and proper stretching can drastically help manage your pain. You’re likely looking at up to a month of recovery time, but every injury is unique, and recovery time can differ.

Posterior Compartment Syndrome

Have you ever gone for a run, and all of sudden your food goes numb? If this happens, you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. You could possibly have Posterior Compartment Syndrome. It’s a painful condition where a pocket of blood becomes trapped in the calf, which can cause your foot to go numb. This type of injury is commonly caused by overexertion and can be chronic. It’s very important to see your doctor right away if you have any sort of numbness to find out if you have Posterior Compartment Syndrome and to make sure it’s not a spinal or disk injury. It often goes away on its own, after plenty of rest.

Recovery Time

You should usually take it easy, relax, and try to refrain from any sort of strenuous physical activity. Recovery time can vary, depending on if you are suffering from acute or chronic Posterior Compartment Syndrome, and what type of treatment was performed. You should take at least a month to let your foot recover.

Stress Fracture

The worst thing in the world that can happen to a runner is a stress fracture. If you happen to have pain in your foot to the point where you can barely even tie your shoes, or walk to your car, chances are you could potentially have a fracture, especially if you’re a person who runs regularly. If you think you may have fractured your foot, you should seek medical treatment immediately.

Recovery Time

Recovery time for this type of injury can really set you back. Often, it can take between six months to a year, if surgery is required. But with the proper physical therapy, you can potentially be back on your feet in a couple of months.

Don’t let the worry of having an injury stop you from enjoying your run. Get out there, breathe in the fresh air, and get some well-needed exercise. It will make you feel great.