Prevention and Treatment of Common Running Injuries
We regularly help runners with supports and products to get them through times of injury. Here are the most common runners' injuries we see and what you can buy to treat them.
Running can be one of the best forms of exercise. It's tough and it can hurt but over 2 million people here in the UK lace up their trainers and go out for a run each week.
But whether you run 5k or marathons and beyond, unfortunately, injuries are an all too common occurrence.
1. Knee and Ankle Pain
Hip, knee or ankle pain is the bug bear of almost every runner.
Runners Knee is a common problem and can be associated with kneecap alignment, tendonitis or general knee strain. If the pain is more of a niggle than disabling, a simple, elasticated knee support or ankle strapping can offer improved mobility and prevent further injury.
If you need some more serious support specifically around the knee and ankle joints, a bio magnetic knee brace or bio magnetic ankle support could provide you with great back up. These braces have strategically placed magnets that help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Magnetic products have been used successfully for many years as a drug-free, non-invasive treatment for pain and swelling by increasing blood flow and triggering the nervous system to help decrease pain.
2. Shin Splints
Shin splints aren't actually a diagnosis, they're more a set of symptoms which anyone who's suffered from them will tell you are very painful indeed. Shin splints are often caused by having tight calf muscles and weak shin muscles, and regular running on hard surfaces can put added strain on the shins.
Alleviate shin splint pain by elevating your foot and using an ice pack for ten to fifteen minutes every four to six hours. Take some time off running and have lots of rest. Meanwhile invest in a hand-held infra red massager to release those tight calf muscles and use a shin support which will provide compression and increase blood circulation around the area to speed up recovery.
3. Foot Injuries
Arch pain, or a burning sensation under the arch of the foot, is another common complaint in runners. Often badly fitting footwear is to blame so it's always a good idea to have your running shoes specially fitted or invest in an adaptive arch pad which controls the position of the foot and prevents arch pain. A foot insole can help absorb shock, reduce friction, and improve overall foot comfort.
If you're suffering heel pain when you run, you may have Plantar fasciitis - a syndrome of heel pain due to inflammation of the thick ligament of the base of the foot. A tight, inflamed plantar fascia can cause more permanent pain when you're walking or running, and it can often lead to the formation of a heel spur. Using a heel support will help to reduce the impact on joints and vertebral column, lessening the strain on ligaments, muscles and Achilles tendon.
Always seek advice from your GP or health professional if you're worried about a running injury.
We at Mediworld have over 40 years experience in medical, surgical and home health supplies and we're always on hand to chat if you need support or advice. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.