How to Cope With a Running Injury
Running Injuries are problems that plague almost every runner, especially beginners. The sad truth is that one time or another, you will get a running injury. Here are some tips to stay positive and get back up on your feet while you are injured.
Figure Out What’s Wrong
The first step you have to take is to figure out what’s wrong with you. Are you seriously injured or is it just a passing pain? If the pain occurs for more than one or two runs and it seriously affects your running experience, then you should do some research into what it is. A simple Google search will get you one step closer to diagnosing your injury. Most of the time, you’ll be able to figure it out yourself. But, if you still cannot after searching for information about it on the internet, then consider seeing your doctor.
Take a Break From Running
The quickest way to treat a running injury is to just stop running for a while. For some injuries, only a few days of break are necessary. For other, more serious ones, months of rest may be required. If you still want to stay in shape, consider other methods of exercise, like biking or swimming if your injury is not affected by these activities
Strengthen Your Legs
A very common reason why people get running injuries is because one of their leg muscles isn’t strong enough. Do some research into what muscles to strengthen for your particular running injury. If your injury permits, then try doing some of these exercises while recuperating from it. For example, to prevent future shin splints, you have to strengthen your shin muscles and your calves.
Stay Positive
The worst thing you can do for your running injury is to think negatively and to be pessimistic because of it. Thoughts like “it’ll never heal” or “I’m never going to get back in shape” are never going to help you get better. Instead, look forward to the future when you can get back to running. In no time, you’ll be back on your feet!