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We all know a "Sarah." Sarah is a dedicated runner, logging miles week after week. When she felt a new, nagging pain in her foot, she did the smart thing: she got it checked out. It was a minor tendon issue, caught early. With a few weeks of physical therapy, she was back on the road, training for her next race with no major setback.
Then there's "Mark." Mark felt a similar pain but figured he could just "run through it." The pain got worse, causing him to change his stride to compensate. He ignored the swelling and the worsening discomfort until a sharp, severe pain stopped him mid-run. What could have been a quick fix turned into a stress fracture that took months of rest and rehab to heal.
These two stories highlight a critical truth for every athlete: listening to your body isn't a sign of weakness; it's the smartest thing you can do for your running career. Knowing when to seek professional help can be the difference between a minor blip and a season-ending injury.
To help you know which path to take, here are four signs that your pain or injury requires a professional evaluation.
1. That Annoying Ache Just Won't Quit: You've tried backing off, maybe swapped a run for a walk, or just gave it a few days. But if that pain isn't showing any signs of improvement after a few weeks of relative rest, it's a red flag. Your body is telling you something isn't resolving on its own.
2. Swelling or Redness Makes an Appearance: This one's pretty visual, and pretty urgent. If you notice significant swelling or redness around the painful area, that's a clear sign of inflammation or something more serious going on. Don't wait on this; get it looked at.
3. Your Stride Starts to Change: Ever find yourself subconsciously altering how you run to avoid a certain pain? Maybe you're limping slightly, or your usual smooth gait feels off. This is your body trying to protect itself, but it can lead to other issues down the line. If your pain is causing noticeable changes to your running form, it's time for an expert to assess why.
4. Pain That Gets Worse or Feels Severe: This might seem obvious, but it's worth stating. If your pain intensifies significantly with activity, or if you'd describe it as severe (think more than just a discomfort), that's your body screaming for attention. Don't try to tough out severe pain; it's almost always a sign of a more significant problem that needs professional intervention.
Remember, getting things checked out early can save you a lot of downtime and frustration in the long run. We're all about fortified strides, and that means taking care of your amazing running machine. Stay healthy, stay strong, and listen to those signals!
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