This article was published on: 02/18/25 9:52 AM
Running is one of the most popular and effective forms of exercise, offering numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. It does, however, carry some risks, just like any other physical activity. Running injuries are common, and even seasoned runners can find themselves sidelined by them. Understanding the most common injuries and how to prevent them can help you stay injury-free and continue enjoying your runs.
At Axis Hospital, we specialize in treating running injuries with physiotherapy and personalized recovery programs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, knowing how to prevent injuries is essential to maintaining a consistent running routine. Let’s explore some of the most frequent running injuries and tips for preventing them.
Among runners, one of the most frequent conditions is runner’s knee. It refers to pain around the kneecap, which may worsen during activities like running, squatting, or going up and down stairs. This condition often results from poor biomechanics, overuse, or improper footwear.
Shin splints cause pain along the shinbone (tibia), particularly in the lower leg. This injury commonly occurs when runners increase their intensity or mileage too quickly, often on hard surfaces.
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, and inflammation in this area can lead to Achilles tendonitis. This injury is common among runners who suddenly increase their activity level or have poor flexibility in their calf muscles.
Plantar fasciitis is characterized by sharp pain in the bottom of the heel, especially with the first few steps in the morning. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs across the bottom of the foot. This injury is common among runners who have flat feet or high arches.
The iliotibial (IT) band is a thick band of tissue that runs along the outer side of the leg from the hip to the knee. IT Band Syndrome causes pain on the outside of the knee and is common among runners who do repetitive activities, such as running on uneven surfaces or downhill.
A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone, often caused by repetitive impact during running. The most common sites for stress fractures are the shin, foot, and metatarsal bones. Stress fractures are more common in runners who increase their mileage too quickly or run on hard surfaces frequently.
Hamstring strains occur when the muscles in the back of your thigh are overstretched or torn. This injury is often the result of a sudden increase in running intensity or improper form, especially when sprinting.
A groin pull occurs when the muscles in the inner thigh are strained. It is often caused by rapid changes in direction or overstretching during a run. While common in sports, it can also occur in long-distance runners who have poor flexibility or inadequate strength in the hip muscles.
Physiotherapy plays a key role in treating and preventing running injuries. At Axis Hospital, our team of skilled physiotherapists can develop personalized physiotherapy programs that focus on rehabilitation, strengthening, and injury prevention. Whether you are dealing with an existing injury or want to prevent one, physiotherapy can help:
If you’re experiencing a running injury, consulting with the best physiotherapy hospital in Mumbai, like Axis Hospital, can help you recover and return to your regular routine as quickly as possible.
Running injuries are a part of the sport, but they don’t have to sideline you for long. By taking preventive measures such as proper warm-up, strength training, and using the right footwear, you can significantly reduce the risk of common injuries. If you do sustain an injury, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional physiotherapist. At Axis Hospital, we offer expert physiotherapy services to help you get back on track and continue enjoying your runs without the worry of injury.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or just want to stay ahead of potential issues, physiotherapy is a key tool in keeping you running strong and injury-free.
