Running is one of the most common physical activities performed by people of all age groups. However, it can sometimes be prone to different injuries if not taken care of. Some of the common injuries associated with running are shin splints, runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and IT band syndrome. It's important to take care of these injuries initially otherwise they can develop into chronic conditions.
While coming to the treatment for running injuries, RICE protocol is commonly followed. RICE: which is an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation is simple yet effective for pain management. Sometimes an activity might trigger the pain that should be avoided until the area heals. The application of ice packs on the injured site for about 15-20 minutes helps to reduce the inflammation and associated pain due to the injury. Use of bandages assists in swelling management when used to apply compression, and elevating the injured extremity also assists in swelling reduction. For the pain, painkillers or muscle relaxants can be taken, which helps relieve the discomfort. Additionally, some physical therapy exercises and stretches can be performed to restore strength and flexibility.
Biomechanical analysis of running shows that the form of the body during running can affect the runner's performance significantly. A good runner must execute their workout with good running mechanics and comply with the correct footwear for the activity. Supervised training in the presence of a physiotherapist is highly recommended to execute these changes in a controlled and step by step manner.
