Inside the mind of a runner...from a PT perspective

My aching feet! My aching knees! My aching back! Is this you? Welcome to the real runners’ world where aches and pains galore are mere side-effects of the addiction, the pleasure, the thrill, the caloric burn of a good run. Alas, ye hearty, stubborn, and persevering runners!

I have treated runners (an avid runner myself) and running coaches for years and let me tell you something- the absolute, most ineffective recommendation a clinician could ever make to a runner is “you have take a few days/weeks off”.

You might as well take out the trusty ‘ol wooden bat and break their legs Sopranos’ style because there isn’t a single runner I know of who will actually take to that kind of advice. The typical running addicts may go through the motion of nodding their heads in solemn agreement with you, but once they leave your office, ZOOM! Off to streets, hills, track, they will run…and, as any rehabbing junkie would do, they may lie straight to your face the next time they come in for a visit- “Oh sure, doc, yeah, of course I took it easy after we last spoke…”

So, what do you do, runner-in-pain? At least consider an alternative!

Seek professional guidance: Orthopedists, podiatrists, physical therapists are well-equipped to help your joints perform optimally. Sometimes, it means an orthosis (foot insert), some key strengthening exercises, or an injection here and there.

Change of foot-mosphere: If you’re always running on hard pavement, supplement with some track or soft terrain running.

Check the pedometer!: Runners log a lot of miles on their shoes, especially when training for long distance races. I go through new running shoes every few months.

Cross-train: hit the weights in the off season (more on this topic in a future article), use the bike or elliptical at least a few times a week. Remember, our goal as medical professionals, is to help you stay running for YEARS to come.

Get edumucated!!: Bother the staff at your local running store (that doesn’t mean Sports Authority or Modell’s, if you’re a novice). Road Runners , Ridgewood Running Company , and OnTrack Active wear are just a few in the Bergen County, NJ area.

If you find yourself gimping and groaning even after your run, chances are your body is trying to tell you that you’re reaching that critical point where serious injury WILL OCCUR. If you’re not going to stop running, at least be smart about how you can continue fulfilling the pleasure of your addiction with less pain!

Jerry

Dr. Jerry Yoo
Clinical Director/Co-Owner of Maven Sports Medicine