Running is generally a safe activity and is even highly encouraged. People who are overly obese may be advised to avoid overstraining their bodies in workouts, but relatively fit people are generally advised to run regularly. 

In this guide, we will look at some common running injuries. We will also learn how to clean and treat running injuries.

What Kind of Injuries Can You Get While Running?

Here are some injuries you can get while running:

Shin Splints

This is a pain that occurs in the large bone in the front of the lower leg. The injury is common among athletes who have recently changed their running routines or those who have intensified their training. Such activities can overwork the tendons and leg muscles. 

If you have shin splints, you will usually experience tenderness, soreness, and pain.

Achilles Tendinitis

This injury affects the band of tissues that connect the calf muscles and the heel bones. Again, this injury is common in runners who have recently increased the intensity of their training. It is also quite common in middle-aged people who overexert themselves when running.

Cuts

It is also fairly common to get cuts when running, especially outdoors. While cuts can be quite uncomfortable, they are rarely serious. In most cases, you will be able to treat the wounds at home without extra help.

Step-by-Step Guide to Treating Running Injuries

1. Clean Your Hands

The first thing you should do when you get a running injury is to clean your hands thoroughly. If possible, you can use gloves to prevent the infection of the wound. 

If you are attending to someone else, you should start by explaining how you intend to protect their wound from infection as this will make them more receptive to the treatment.

2. Cleanse the Wound

You should then rinse the wound with clean water. Once this is done, you can use wound cleaning solutions like Vashe to get rid of any bacteria in the wound. You should gently dab the skin next to the wound with a cloth or gauze pad that is soaked in the cleaning solution. 

The cloth should not be left in contact with the wound for extended periods as this can lead to the shedding of fibres and can stick to the surface of the wound. 

When choosing a cleaning solution, you should go for non-irritating products that are mimic the normal pH of the body.

3. Apply an Antibiotic Cream or Ointment

If the wound is large, you should apply an antibiotic cream or ointment. This will help to prevent infection and will keep the wound moist. It will also boost the natural healing process of the wound and can reduce scarring. 

Again, you need to check the ingredients of the creams to ensure that you are not allergic to the products. In many cases, a rash will appear if you are allergic to the creams.

4. Bandage the Wound

In some cases, you may need to bandage the wound to keep out germs. If you have sensitive skin, you should consider getting paper bandages. You should change the bandage at least once every day. 

If it becomes dirty or wet, you should also change it.

When Should You See a Healthcare Professional?

Running wounds don’t usually require professional care. You will only need to contact your doctor if the cuts meet any of these characteristics:

• If they are deep
• If they are on your face
• If blood is soaking through the bandage
• If bleeding does not stop after ten minutes of applying pressure
• If the wound is caused by a deep cut, and you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the past five years
• If you can’t get dirt out of the wound
• If the wound is on your joints and you can’t make movements. This is when you should consult orthopaedic surgeons.
• If the area around the wound is numb

Conclusion

A good percentage of runners experience injuries while participating in the activity. Some of the most common injuries runners experience include shin splints, Achilles’ tendinitis, and cuts. 

When treating wounds, you should start by cleaning your hands and drying them. You also need to clean the wound to get rid of dirt and debris. Once that is done, you should apply antibiotic creams or ointments as these will keep the wound moist and free of bacteria. You should also bandage the wound to prevent infection. 

You will rarely need to visit a healthcare professional for running injuries.