Most running injuries, such as Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome, and Morton's neuroma, are an inflammation of the musculoskeletal system. In many cases, it is inflammation of the tendon or ligament where it attaches to the bone. This inflammation is the source of the pain from these injuries.
You can treat a Houston running injury naturally with ice. Icing your injury will constrict the blood flow to the area. Apply ice for up to 20 minutes at a time and take a break between applications. Icing an injury, such as a sprained ankle, as soon as it occurs is the best way to minimize the swelling.
Anti-inflammatory medication, or NSAIDs, are another good way to treat inflammation. Advil, Motrin, and Aleve all fall into this category. They work to inhibit a chemical pathway that causes inflammation to occur. One pifall many fall into, however, is using an anti-inflammatory medication like they treat a headache: taking it when the pain occurs only. Running injuries respond much better to taking medication consistantly, the recommended daily dose for 1-2 weeks. This will not only treat the pain, but allow the injury to heal by eliminating the inflammation.
If you have a running injury that is causing pain in your foot and ankle, the sooner you treat it, the faster you will be able to return to running. Contact Houston running podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider for a comprhensive examination and detailed treatment plan to get you back on the road.
