Running Injuries Part #1

One thing I have learned is that, often, when someone has a sore or injured body part, and they, seemingly logically, avoid using that part, it may be a mistake. Maybe it's a toe - and they tell the therapist, "No, don't mess with my toe; that's my problem toe." The problem is that, sometimes, that's the worst thing to do. I'm not giving medical advice, but I am saying that just avoiding touching it or moving it or using it could be a bad idea. Oh, sure, taking a few days off to see if it recovers is certainly reasonable, but if that doesn't fix it, you should get a professional opinion. Maybe you don't have to stop running, or maybe that's exactly what you should do. The point is: don't play doctor. You risk doing much more damage, and think of the effect that may have on your running future.

I don't think it's a good idea to let your running buddies diagnose your problem, either. Of course they have the best intentions, and discussions of running injuries keep us entertained for many miles on long runs, but in my experience, every runner thinks they have the answer to every other runner's problem; every one certainly has their opinion. The more experienced the runner, the more emphatic that person may be in insisting they are making an accurate diagnosis, and they may be right, but they also may be completely off the mark. The thing is that it is your running career on the line.

Think about it this way: you wouldn't let a teenager at a shoe store at the mall sell you a running shoe; you want an expert to assist in fitting you with the right shoe.

If possible, go to a doctor who is also a runner, or go to a physical therapist who specializes in treating sports injuries. Why? Because they will understand your desire to run. A non-runner may even think he/she is doing you a favor to tell you not to run. Let's fact it, some people, non-runners, think we're, uh, crazy. Ask around. Members of your local running community will be able to give you the names of runner-friendly professionals.

At least make sure to see a doctor who is recommended by other runners and who frequently treats runners. You might need to see several medical professionals. I have so frequently had friends with injuries tell me that they have seen more than one physician and gotten different opinions, diagnoses, and prescriptions from each. An orthopedist may disagree with a podiatrist, etc. The point is that you have to be your own advocate and see as many professionals as is necessary to get to the root of the problem. But do this sooner rather than later, and you will minimize the interruption of your running program.