How Do Runners Cope With Injury?

Injury can happen to anyone at some point, whether you’re an elite runner or just a weekend warrior. Dealing with injuries not only physically but emotionally as well can be a difficult thing to cope with.

Running provides an outlet for many things – from daily stress to the euphoria of finishing races. But when injury strikes, you may feel lost and not quite yourself.

Get a Second Opinion

Doctors often disagree on the best treatment option for their patients, which is why it’s critical to get a second opinion when dealing with injury.

Your initial doctor may suggest a course of action that isn’t ideal for you, or they could have an alternative suggestion that can help speed up healing time. For instance, if they suggest surgery is the best option for you, getting another opinion from another specialist may indicate non-invasive treatments are more suitable.

Receiving a second opinion can give you the peace of mind and insight into any potential complications that could arise during surgery. It’s an effective way to gain new perspectives and comprehend any risks involved with the procedure.

Your medical insurance plan may cover the cost of a second opinion. Before seeking this type of care, make sure you understand all relevant details regarding what types of situations and treatments are covered by your coverage.

Take a Rest

Resting is an integral part of running recovery. It gives your body time to repair damaged tissues.

According to DeAnne Davis Brooks, Ed.D, associate professor in the department of kinesiology at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, taking a rest day can help replenish your energy stores and prevent overtraining that leads to decreased performance or exhaustion.

Jordane emphasizes the importance of taking a rest day to replenish glycogen levels and replenish protein stores in your muscles. Without adequate energy replenishment, your muscles may catabolize instead of healing themselves, potentially leading to various muscle injuries.

Many runners, particularly those who are used to training hard, tend to overlook rest as an essential strategy for recovery and avoiding injury. Though rest is an integral part of running, it can be challenging to know when you should take a break.

Get Cleared for Cross-Training

Cross-training workouts as part of your running regimen can make you a stronger, more versatile runner. Not only that, but it can help prevent injuries and facilitate faster recovery times after they occur.

Running puts your muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons under constant strain – which can lead to injury. That is why it is essential to vary up your workouts periodically in order to avoid overusing any areas of your body that are prone to injury.

Cross-training is the most effective way to prevent injuries when training for your primary sport. This could include yoga, strength training, cycling or even walking.

Before adding a new workout to your regimen, be sure you receive clearance from either your doctor or physical therapist. In many cases, minor issues or low levels of pain can be resolved with some extra active recovery like swimming or biking.

Stay Active

One of the most frustrating aspects of injury is not being able to resume your regular workout regimen. It can feel like you’ve forgotten all your hard-won progress.

Thankfully, there are numerous ways to keep your body moving while healing from an injury. Staying active is essential for overall health and wellbeing, so make sure that an injury doesn’t stop you from exercising.

Instead, find creative ways to stay active during recovery. Volunteering, taking up a new sport or even completing cross-training exercises are great ways to maintain your fitness levels and remain positive during this period of adjustment.

Running is an excellent way to keep both mind and body healthy, but it’s also essential for mental resilience during recovery. Controlling negative self-talk is the best way to combat the blues and get you feeling better quickly.

If you’re a runner dealing with foot and ankle pain, consider visiting our foot and ankle pain treatment page for more information on how we can help. For specialized care, check out our physical therapy for runners and sports rehabilitation services. To get in touch with our team, visit our contact page or head back to our home page to learn more about Ascent Total Performance.