Running Injuries
There are a variety of injuries that runners experience. In fact, it is estimated that up to 70% of runners experience an overuse injury within a one year period. Common running injuries include plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, shin splints, knee pain, ITB syndrome, hip pain and back pain. Most these injuries fall into two categories: 1) Training Errors, and 2) Anatomical/Biomechanical Factors.
Training Errors - This is a result of the forces and loads placed on a muscle vs. its ability to deal with those forces and loads. When a muscle is overworked, the pressure and tension on it is increased, and this can lead to decreased circulation and swelling. This then contributes to decreased oxygen delivered to the muscle and results in adhesions or scar tissue formation.
Anatomical/Biomechanical Factors - These can be further divided into Kinetic and Kinematic Factors. Kinetic factors include the forces involved in the foot contacting the ground, the speed of this contact, and the forces of pushing off from the ground. Kinematic factors are mostly the rate and amount of foot pronation. Pronation is normal with running, but when it is too much or not enough the foot/shin/knee/thigh/hip complex does not function as designed. This predisposes one to injury.
In evaluating running injures both biomechanics and training must be evaluated. Gait analysis reveals underlying biomechanical and anatomic factors, and a review of training practices sheds light on potential training stresses. And of course where it is hurting highlights an area where dysfunction is occuring. All these factors are addressed when evaluating running injuries.