Running is one of the most common and popular methods of fitness in the world, with many cities and communities taking part in establishment of running events from 5k to marathon level and above, to smaller running cohorts, and for social events. However, while running has a high link to overall improved cardiovascular wellbeing, it is also one of the most injury prone athletic populations in world with injury incidence of up to 80%! Fortunately, there are many strategies to help combat and prevent running related injuries for any skill level.
TRAIN APPROPRIATELY!
As with any other sport, training for the specific demands of running can greatly reduce the risk of injury. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity throughout the week, based on strong evidence of health benefits and reductions upon mortality rates. While many factors influence risk of injury, there are a few significant ones for any running athlete:
Equipment Matters!
In a recent systematic review of 15 studies there was moderate to strong evidence of higher injury prevalence with persons who had sustained a previous injury, as well as the use of orthotics and the same pair of running shoes for longer than 4-6 months. While there are many different brands and trends within the running shoe and orthotic industry, it is important to note that finding the right pair of shoes for you may take time! Additionally, according to a study on use of multiple shoes during training, results found that there was a 39% decrease in running related injuries over a 22-week period when athletes used at least one more pair of running shoes during the week.
Rehab potential
80% of all running injuries are result of overuse or chronic pathology, which may be a result from overtraining or limited tissue adaptations from the amount of load produced on the body during activity. Different types or locations of injury require methods of individualized rehabilitation, and the therapy experts at Evolution Sports Physiotherapy are well versed in the appropriate rehabilitation and progression of any running related injuries. So, whether you are a seasoned runner looking for a full evaluation of running form, or a beginner working towards your first 5K, our approach towards integration of best available evidence within clinical practice and dedication to patient care provides our patients with optimal rehabilitation potential.
If you or anyone you know has suffered a running related injury, please contact us via phone at 410-628-0520 or email at chris.mooney@evolutionsportspt.com. We look forward to answering any of your questions and assisting with all of your rehab needs!
References
1. Kozlovskaia M, Vlahovich N, Rathbone E, Manzanero S, Keogh J, Hughes DC. A profile of health, lifestyle and training habits of 4720 Australian recreational runners-The case for promoting running for health benefits. Health Promot J Austr. 2019 Apr;30(2):172-179.
2. van der Worp MP, ten Haaf DS, van Cingel R, de Wijer A, Nijhuis-van der Sanden MW, Staal JB. Injuries in runners; a systematic review on risk factors and sex differences. PLoS One. 2015;10(2):e0114937. Published 2015 Feb 23
3. Francis P, Whatman C, Sheerin K, Hume P, Johnson MI. The Proportion of Lower Limb Running Injuries by Gender, Anatomical Location and Specific Pathology: A Systematic Review. J Sports Sci Med. 2019;18(1):21-31. Published 2019 Feb 11
4. Malisoux L, Ramesh J, Mann R, Seil R, Urhausen A, Theisen D. Can parallel use of different running shoes decrease running-related injury risk?. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2015;25(1):110-115.
Evolution Sports Physiotherapy offers a wide variety of rehabilitation services. Our highly trained team members attend ongoing training to ensure patients like you enjoy the best care possible.
Established in 2008, we work with many insurance companies. See us for strength and conditioning, concussion management, and other rehabilitative needs. Read more about our PT centers.
Evolution Sports Physiotherapy
10540 York Road, Suite F-G
Cockeysville, MD 21030
410-628-0520