August 17, 2010

Running With Pain

Posted in Category : Exercise

It is a well known fact that running is a great form of exercise, which can help improve a person’s physical, mental as well as emotional health. It is also one of the best ways to lose weight fast. Most people who run on a regular basis admit that it is quite easy to get addicted to the activity, as it makes them feel stronger and fitter. It improves their mental abilities (like their memory) and keeps them much happier. Therefore people enjoy running, as it makes them look good, which in turn improves their overall self esteem, making them feel absolutely great about themselves. They find it difficult to skip their running sessions for any reason, be it the weather, lack of time, an injury or even physical pain.

Factors like a busy schedule or the weather do not really need to hinder your running schedule. However, in case you are in physical pain, you should avoid participating in most types of intense physical activities, which includes running. Running with pain should be strictly avoided, as it may intensify the pain and worsen the condition that is causing your body to ache. It is quite possible for your body to ache soon after you first start running. However, the pain caused by running, should comprise mainly stiffness, cramps, muscle soreness and blisters. In most cases, such pains are harmless and relatively mild and go away within a day or two on their own. They also normally do not cause you to limp. In case of such types of pain, it is quite alright to continue running, without overdoing it. At times, the pain may be a little stronger; such pain may last for a longer period of time and will usually cause you to limp and alter your stride. In case of moderate to intense pain that has been caused by running, it is advisable to apply the RICE treatment, to allow your body to heal properly.

Intense pain in one spot after a running session could indicate that there is a problem, which got worse because of running. In such cases, it is best to stop running for a while. Therefore, running with pain is a bad idea. If you are suffering from intense or moderate pain, you should get it checked by a doctor (preferably a doctor that has specialized in sports medicine), who may recommend rest, medication, some specific exercises or even physical therapy, for you to recover faster. Make sure that you feel no pain at all, before you resume your regular running schedule.