Running injury? Injury in any sport is frustrating but this one probably tops the lot. Even a week away from your routine is going to effect your performance and this leads to further irritation. Training whilst injured is tempting but we all know it's a no go. So what can you do? Sitting around with your feet up may be what your physician ordered but its very difficult for a runner to do. Here we will look at some of the common injuries, probable causes and what the best approach is to get you back where you belong - on the road!

Common Running Injuries

Below are listed the most common injuries runners suffer from. It is important to get a correct diagnosis from a qualified physician. Use the time when unable to run to learn about your injury and your body. If you can understand why it happened you will stand a better chance to prevent it reoccurring. Whilst recovering from an injury there are alternative ways to be active. Perhaps the best is probably swimming as it is not weight-bearing - if you are under treatment from a physician they will advise you on the suitability of other activities. So the most common running injuries are:-

• Achilles Tendonitis

• Iliotibial Band Syndrome

• Chondromalacia (runner's knee)

• Plantar fasciitis

• Shinsplints

In cases of a running injury try the following.

1. Stop running - yes I'm sorry but it will be better in the long run(!)

2. Your physician may prescribe a weeks course of anti-inflammatory drugs.

3. Apply an ice pack to the area and keep elevated as much as you can.

4. Avoid weight-bearing activities where possible.

5. Gently self-massage the affected area.

6. When you feel comfortable to walk and do a few stretches you will be ready to start gentle running.

If your condition persists it is advisable to visit a physical therapist for further help.

Getting Started Again

Do not be tempted to try and make up for lost time. Use this opportunity to observe your action and experiment with your style. It is important to determine your technique is not contributing to your running injury Visit a special shoe retailer and assess whether your shoes are suitable for your style. Drop your distance and your speed initially until you can run for at least two weeks without the injury reappearing. As your technique and observational skills improve, speed will increase naturally and you will soon recover your fitness. There is no reason why you cannot use your running injury as a learning experience to prevent the usual frustrations that go with inactivity.

Improve Your Running Technique Take a look at my unique program for assessing and improving your running style. Many running injuries can be directly due to the way you run. This online program includes video and audio instruction plus an option for video analysis. For more information Running Technique Program

You are also welcome to download my Beginners Guide to Running as it contains advice and schedules to get you going again after a break due to injury. You also have the option of getting an online video analysis of your technique to check your technique is not contributing to your injuries.

Remember, early recognition of a problem is vital. Catch the signs early enough, take action, learn from it and come back better informed and motivated than before.

Running in The Zone
Few experiences can compare to running in The Zone. Here is a short story to inspire you to recover from your running injury.

Take a look at my unique Zone Fitness Program
Your running injury may be due to poor technique which in turn is due to inappropriate muscle action. However, if your technique is now a habit it will be difficult to assess, let alone change! My program is designed to improve your self-awareness and body knowledge to get you into The Zone and drastically reduce the risk of injury.

Sports injuries and rehabilitation
In addition to immediate treatment for your running injury, there are other, more fundamental issue that may be the root cause.

Sports specific training - a fad?
Is the current trend for this type of exercise ignoring a basic human behavioural factor?

The simple squat exercise can improve your running
I believe re-education is the answer to injury problems. This procedure can help your running.

Further Resources For Running Injuries

Running Injuries: How to prevent and overcome them
by Tim Noakes and Stephen Granger Completely revised edition of their best-selling handbook, looks at the most up-to-date findings on running injuries, and their prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Suitable for elite athletes to weekend joggers.

Master The Art of Running
by Malcolm Balk and Andrew Shields
Takes a radical look at running from technique to your approach. Very useful for those suffering from a running injury.

US visitors can order from the Amazon.com.



UK visitors can order from the Amazon.co.uk.

Want to ask a question? My view of what fitness means and how it can be attained is different to the conventional approach. If there is anything on this page that you would like to follow up please feel free to contact me

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