Marathon Running Injuries

While running is a relatively safe sport, distance running can, in certain circumstances and for some individuals, be dangerous and illness and injuries can still occur. It takes between 30,000 and 50,000 steps to run a marathon. The knees, ankles, hips and back absorb stress three to four times our body weight and breakdown occurs at these weaker points. The most common injuries and illnesses vary from dehydration and heart failure to sprains and strains.

• Strains and Sprains occur where a ligament, muscle or tendon is stretched, torn or ruptured causing pain and discomfort.
• Achilles Tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon.
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome occurs when the ilibtibial band, the tendon which runs down the outside of the leg from pelvis to shin, rubs against the outside of the knee joint. The rubbing causes inflammation and pain.
• Plantar Fascitis is inflammation of the fibrous tissue that runs along the sole of your foot. It can become chronic if not taken care of.
• Runners Knee develops through overuse and causes pain to the areas on either side of the kneecap and in front of.
• Shin Splints also develop from overuse and the pain occurs on the front and side of the lower leg. This can lead to further injury of tibial periosteum, stress fracture or anterior compartment
• Stress fractures are usually located in the lower leg or toes and causes similar pain to shin splints.
• Shin Splints also develop from overuse and the pain occurs on the front and side of the lower leg. This can lead to further injury of tibial periosteum, stress fracture or anterior compartment syndrome.
• Stress fractures are usually located in the lower leg or toes and causes similar pain to shin splints.

All these injuries previously listed are preventable given the correct stretching and muscle balancing exercises. To prevent further injury, the most effective methods are to rest, ice, compress and elevate the injury.

Dehydration is a condition in which the body contains an insufficient volume of water for normal functioning. This could cause abnormal thirst, unexplained tiredness, headache, dry mouth, and dizziness. More severe factors may include no urine output at all, lethargy or extreme sleepiness, seizures, fainting and sunken eyes. Marathon runners shed between three and five kilograms in body weight. To replace this weight, they should be taking on around 4.5-7.5 litres of fluids in the course of the race.

Of course, all these injuries and illnesses can become more serious health risks, if not looked after correctly and preventative methods taken into consideration. It is known that regular exercise will, in most cases, help to reduce this risk of injury and illness, including heart failure.