Injuries and their causes
Running is one of the most popular sports to keep the fitness level optimal. It has various benefits on our cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system. Although it is considered a great way of facilitating muscle strength and endurance, it could be a leading cause for several musculoskeletal injuries.
Some of the most common injuries associated with running are-
- Achilles’ tendonitis
- Runner’s knee
- Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome
- Shin splints
- Hamstring strain
- Gluteal tendinopathy
- Stress fractures
- Plantar fasciitis
- Ankle sprain
- Hip flexors strain
Other risk factors for injuries are seen in individuals who have recently started to run, those with sudden increments in intensity or distance of running (in preparation for marathons / events) and in runners who have been running for a long time. These injuries develop over time due to various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The injuries could be multifactorial in nature.
Most common reasons for injuries in runners
- Poor biomechanics
- Improper techniques
- Muscles imbalances
- Repetitive stress
- Wear and tear
- Overloading the joints and the muscles
- Less focus on warm up and cool down
