Running is one of the most popular types of exercise and keeping fit, no doubt because it’s so accessible. You don’t need any specialist equipment apart from a pair of well-fitting running shoes and it can be done at any time and in most environments.
You also don’t need to be overly strong or fit to get started… running is something that most people can do, regardless of age, experience or general fitness levels.
However, something that’s essential to bear in mind when running is that form is particularly important, or you may find that you succumb to an injury sooner rather than later.
One of the most common running injuries is shin splints, characterised by pain and tenderness along the front of your lower legs. Causes of shin splints include overuse, wearing the wrong shoes, increasing your distance, running uphill or poor form with your feet turned inwards, which can put additional stress and strain on your muscles and tendons.
Shin splints can take a few weeks to heal, but there are ways in which you can speed up recovery times. For example, change your exercise regime to swimming, which won’t put any pressure on your joints, and make sure that you warm up and warm down properly while training.
Avoid running wherever possible until your shin splints have healed, as you will likely only make them worse. When you do feel able to run again, don’t pick up where you left off. Build up gradually to help protect your body.
Physiotherapy can be particularly beneficial when it comes to resolving shin splint injuries and your physio will show you a range of different exercises to address your problems and ensure that they don’t return.
These include the likes of single leg heel raises, single leg sit to stands and single leg bridges. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with the Clear Physio team today.
