If you have been following along, you have been here as I have shared my journey into becoming more healthy and why it is the forefront of how I approach life now. I have shared some stories on the changes I made, diet, quitting bad things, lifestyle, and exercise. I have recently even shared with you all my start into becoming a runner. Running as become something I love, it is an additional source of therapy, and has become a great way to move my health forward.

But running isn’t all glamorous and fun, at some point, every person in their running life will be confronted with an injury and has to learn how to continue to train and run. That has been a struggle for me, mainly because I have dealt with arthritis and a condition known as Osgood-Schlatter’s disease since I was a child. Today, I thought I would share with you some things I have learned on Running With An Injury and how to ensure that you can still run and heal.

Arthritis and how running helps

Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes inflammation and pain in the joints, which can make it difficult to exercise or engage in physical activities. However, it is possible to maintain an active lifestyle even with arthritis. Running, in particular, is a great way to improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones, and manage arthritis symptoms. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of running with arthritis and how to do it safely.

There are many benefits that can happen when you start running that help with arthritis.

Running is an excellent form of exercise for people with arthritis because it’s low impact and can be done anywhere. Here are some of the benefits of running with arthritis:

Improved Joint Function – Running strengthens the muscles around your joints, which helps to improve joint function. It’s essential to choose the right shoes for running to keep your feet stable and reduce the impact on your joints.

Weight Control –  Regardless of what a certain training on YouTube might tell you , running is a good exercise for weight control. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for people with arthritis because it reduces the load on their joints. Running is a great way to burn calories, tone muscles, and keep weight under control.

Reduced Inflammation – Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers and reduce inflammation. Running is a good way to manage arthritis symptoms like pain, stiffness, and inflammation.Just remember to know your limits, don’t push beyond them. Warming up and cooling down are essential

Better Sleep – Running helps to improve sleep quality, which is essential for people with arthritis. Better sleep reduces stress on the joints and improves recovery after exercise.

If you are seeking to start your running journey, bee sure to consult your doctor first. They will be able to suggest exercises, stretchings, and precautions that will help ensure you start correctly and minimize injury. Choose the right shoes will help reduce the impact on your joints and make your runs more enjoyable, Starting slow lets your joints become accustomed to what you are doing to them. Keep distances short and pace slow at first. And remember to listen to your body. It knows it’s limits and while that can be beneficial in small doses, overdoing it can lead you to extended recovery times and less on the road.

Injuries happen

Running is a popular form of exercise for many people. It is a great way to stay fit, reduce stress, and improve cardiovascular health. However, running can also lead to injuries, which can be frustrating and painful. Many runners have experienced injuries at some point in their running journey, and it is important to know how to deal with them. 

It is important to identify the type of injury you have. There are various types of running injuries, such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, runner’s knee, and stress fractures. Each injury requires a different treatment approach, and it is important to know what you are dealing with. Some injuries may require complete rest, while others may only require modifications to your running routine.

Remember to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can diagnose your injury and provide you with a treatment plan. They can also advise you on whether you should continue running or take a break. In some cases, they may refer you to a physiotherapist or sports medicine specialist for further treatment.

5 tips for running with an injury

Running is an excellent way to stay fit and healthy, but injuries can occur any time, and they can put a damper on your fitness routine. These injuries range from minor sprains to more serious injuries that can keep you from running for an extended period. 

However, there is no need to give up running altogether if you get injured. With proper care and exercises, you can continue running and still maintain your fitness goals. Here are some tips on how to run properly with an injury.

1. Get the right diagnosis from a medical professional. – If you’re experiencing pain in your joints or muscles, it’s essential to see a doctor or a physical therapist. They can diagnose the injury and offer the right treatment plan.

2. Modify your running routine. – After getting a diagnosis, modify your running routine according to your doctor’s advice. Depending on your injury, you may need to cut back on your mileage, reduce your pace, or take some time off. It’s crucial to communicate with your doctor and listen to your body’s signals.

3. Practice cross-training. – Cross-training activities such as cycling, swimming, or rowing can help you maintain your fitness levels while allowing your injury to heal. Consult with your doctor to find the right cross-training activities for your injury.

4. Stretch and strengthen. – Incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises to keep your body flexible and reduce your risk of further injury. A physical therapist can help you develop a stretching and strengthening routine that works best for your injury.

5. Stay motivated and positive. – Injuries can be frustrating and emotionally draining. It’s essential to stay motivated and positive. Set small, achievable goals, celebrate your progress, and don’t forget to acknowledge any wins, no matter how small. Surround yourself with a supportive community and keep your focus on your long-term goals.

Can’t keep a good runner down

Getting injured while running can be discouraging, but it doesn’t mean you should stop altogether. With proper care and exercises, you can run safely and still achieve your fitness goals. Have you experienced an injury that put a damper on your running? What tricks or tips did you use to get back out there? Let me know in the comments below.

Remember to listen to your body, communicate with your doctor, and stay motivated. Happy and safe running!