What hurts runners and when is it time to go to the doctor

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Sometimes, after a run or any other workout, you may feel a slight pain in those places where the main load was directed. Usually these are your weak points, and if the pain goes away and does not recur again and again, then you should not pay attention to it. But it is a completely different matter when the pain does not just repeat itself, but does not go away completely, whines, pulls, sometimes shoots and does not let go. This is already a sign that it's time to stop winding circles - it's time to see a doctor.

What hurts most runners and when you really need to go to the doctor for an appointment - figured out the Huffington Post. Advice from David Guyer, M. D., sports medicine specialist based in Charleston, South Carolina.

Pain or a pulling feeling on the outside of the knee

Possible diagnosis: ITBS syndrome, or iliotibial tract syndrome

ITBS syndrome, or iliotibial tract syndrome - This is an inflammation of the ligament that runs from the outer part of the pelvis along the hip and knee joints and is attached just below the knee. This ligament plays a very important role in stabilizing the knee during sports and any other movement that involves the knee. Constant friction on the lateral femoral epicondyle, combined with constant flexion and extension of the knee joint during work, can lead to inflammation in this area. This is a fairly common knee injury, usually associated with running, biking, hiking, and powerlifting.

The iliotibial tract (tractus iliotibialis, PNA, BNA, JNA; synonym: Messia fascia, messiate tract) is a thickened part of the broad fascia of the thigh, passing along the lateral surface of the thigh from the superior anterior ilium to the lateral condyle of the tibia.

Some runners who have experienced this trouble say that pain most often occurs during long runs and difficult competitions (marathon, triathlon). Sometimes it hurts so much that if you want to lie quietly on your side, and the sore leg is on top, then you must definitely look for support for your knee and lay it almost on the pillow.

In this case, a cold compress or massage with a roll can help. But if after several days of such self-medication it does not become easier, then you need to go to a doctor, preferably a sports one. He will most likely refer you to a physical therapist, who will prescribe you ultrasound or electrical stimulation (both procedures are completely painless), as well as special exercises and stretching to strengthen the ligament.

General knee pain

Possible diagnosis: patellofemoral pain syndrome

This type of injury occurs more frequently in women than in men, and develops between the surfaces of the patellar joint and the adjacent part of the thigh. If you feel a pulling pain above the kneecap, or in the knee in general, that gets worse when going up and down hills and stairs or when sitting with bent legs, patellofemoral pain may be the cause.

Over time, patellofemoral pain syndrome can develop into arthrosis of the knee joint. When general knee pain symptoms appear, it is worth taking a short break, slowing down the pace and reducing the distance, as well as applying ice compresses after running, and after a few days you will be able to return to your usual distance again. If the pain bothers you for 2-3 weeks, you should contact a physiotherapist who will prescribe the right treatment for you and show you the right exercises to strengthen your knees.

Pain or tenderness in the front and along the lower leg

We just recently wrote about inflammation of the periosteum and suggested to you, which will help prevent this injury.

Fatigue or stress fractureis a small fracture in the bone that results from cyclic stress combined with skeletal problems, improper footwear and inappropriate treadmills. Sometimes it can turn into a standard fracture, and then surgical intervention is already required. The main symptom is pain in the lower leg, which disappears as soon as you stop running, but immediately returns during training and torments for another 20-30 minutes after their end.

If cold compresses, shoes, and treadmills don't work, then it could really be a fatigue fracture - you should definitely see a specialist! As a treatment, there is a complete cancellation of loads, wearing special medical boots or using crutches for 6-8 weeks.

Pain in the heel bone or elevation

Plantar fasciitis (runner's heel, policeman's heel, calcanodyne) is manifested by acute heel pain and tension in the Achilles tendon. Pain usually occurs when the foot strikes the treadmill for the first time or in the morning when taking the first steps, but by the end of the day it goes away. The reasons for the appearance are the wrong shoes and excessive running loads.

The good news: you can get rid of this pain on your own with the help of the same cold compresses and special stretching. If home remedies do not help, you need to see a doctor, who will most likely prescribe a special tight bandage (orthosis) or a plaster boot, as well as a special heel pad in your shoes. In especially difficult cases, surgical intervention is required.

Sharp pain and tingling sensation below the buttocks or on the back of the thigh

Possible diagnosis: hamstring deformity

Typically, this injury is common in football players and those who play American football, as it occurs as a result of an abrupt change in direction. But sometimes it happens to runners as well as a result of the sprint completion of a difficult and prolonged race.

If the deformation is insignificant, then it will go away by itself within a few days, especially after cold compresses and special exercises. If the pain bothers you longer and manifests itself during climbing stairs, if your hips are bruised, then you need to see a doctor.

A physical therapist will prescribe you special exercises and sports massage that promotes proper healing of muscle fibers, minimizes tissue scarring, and also increases blood flow to the damaged tendon. Sometimes ultrasound and electrotherapy are prescribed.

Tense, rocky calves, tingling and numbness in the feet

Chronic exercise compartment syndrome is a muscle and nerve disorder characterized by pain, swelling, and sometimes complete loss of function in the affected limb.

This injury occurs much less frequently than others and requires more serious treatment. It is easy enough to feel it: while running, you will feel as if your calves are balls that are about to burst. Add numbness and tingling sensations to this.

The reason for these sensations is excessive swelling of the calves during training, as a result of which there is increased pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in the lower leg and foot. Rest and physical therapy can help, but most still have to go through simple surgery. Not very pleasant, but after that you will be able to return to full-fledged training and increasing loads without looking back at this problem in just a few months.