Runners are used to pushing their bodies to the ultimate limit. They train for months to participate in races like half-marathons, whole marathons, 5k’s, and more. Running like this is more than just a hobby; it is a lifestyle, and to maintain such a lifestyle, you must listen to your body.
Too often, people brush off small bits of pain, riding it out till the problem dissipates, only for them to wake up in the morning with the pain back again. This nonchalance can lead to severe and possibly irreversible injuries, so it is vital to acknowledge the signs of injuries in runners before it is too late. Here are some critical signs of injuries in runners you should look for before your injuries bench you:
Lack of Sleep
First and foremost, sleepless nights are a sure sign of a potential injury in runners. Many adults express they are perpetually tired, but this level of exhaustion is different than normal fatigue.
It is a sign that your body needs rest.
Just like how your brain cannot operate at maximum performance after a late night out, the same goes for your body after a lengthy training session. The lack of sleep can lead to lousy running posture and imbalance that could cause running injuries like spills or sprains. Giving your body a day or two to rest will make a world of difference next time you hit the road. However, if you really must stay active, perhaps try a walk or bike ride instead.
Lead Legs
Similar to the lack of energy, heavy legs are another sign of possible running injuries forming. If you feel like you are exerting more energy than usual doing simple tasks like walking or lifting your legs, this is a sign your legs are overworked.
Your legs should feel like a well-oiled joint, free, and easy to move.
The only way to come back from this is to rest.
Small Aches and Pains
If you experience an insistent ache or pain in your feet, ankles, and legs, this is an obvious sign of a running injury forming and growing. Too often do runners try and run through the pain, which can be detrimental to your limbs, muscles, tendons, and more. Again, listen to the whispers of your body; it is aching because it needs a break. Catching these running injuries in their earliest stages will keep you from a long, inconvenient, and usually expensive recovery process.
For example, one of the most commonly overlooked and serious running injuries is Plantar Fasciitis. This injury is where the thick layer of tissue, called fascia, begins to degrade on the bottom of your foot. This tissue is like a spring when you are running, and the more you run, the more stress you put on the tissue. The injury can feel like a burning sensation, pain under your heel or midfoot, pain that is worse in the morning, then subsides throughout the day, or pain that develops gradually or after prolonged activity.
It is not wise to just wait for the problem to go and continue the physical activity, instead seek professional help in Jacksonville, Florida, so that the injury does not last longer than it needs to.
Book a Session at our Active Recovery Center
If you are experiencing any of the mentioned signs of injuries in runners, you will benefit from booking a session with us at Sports Recovery Annex in Jacksonville, Florida. Our licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy can perform a thorough evaluation to diagnose just what kind of running injury you are experiencing, then provide you with the details of their findings and a treatment plan.
To learn more about our services, click our athletic training in Jacksonville services page or call us at 904-402-4399 to book a session today!