Running is a fun sport - seriously. Each day, people all over the world partake in the sport. Some run on the track. Others run in their neighborhood. People run in trails and even on the treadmill. No matter where you run or how often you do it, chances are you are either at risk for injury or you have at some point dealt with an injury.

Injuries can be frustrating. For most people, this means that some time needs to be spent away from the sport. For someone who loves it, this is not an easy task. But it is important to note that the easiest and quickest way to heal a running injury is to stop running.

Treating a Running Injury

If you get injured while running, it is important to visit a doctor. They will examine you, take x-rays, and recommend a course of treatment that will have you running again in no time. Some things that can happen while running are:

o Shin splints
o Sprains and strains
o Tendonitis
o Bruises and blisters
o Broken bones

Some injuries are relatively minor and will not require a lot of attention. Other problems, such as tendonitis, can be painful and slow to heal.

What Causes Running Injuries?

There are so many different things that can happen while running that it is hard to pinpoint exactly one thing that can cause running injury. Factors such as shoes that don't fit well or a muscular imbalance are both possible factors. You can also slip on wet pavement or trip over a rock or a stick. In short, there are so many things that can go wrong, the focus should not be on what can cause injury, but on eliminating as many of these factors as possible.

Preventing Running Injuries

Some injuries happen because of an unavoidable accident, such as broken bones caused by a random fall. Others, however, can be prevented by following some basic guidelines.

Proper gear. It is important to wear the proper gear when running, especially with shoes and socks. If you are prone to blisters or other foot problems, it is also a good idea to wear the proper running socks for your situation. Take some time to shop for a shoe that will give you adequate support.

Drink fluids. A lot of running injuries happen because of poor hydration. To prevent this, make sure you drink enough water. Also, be careful not to overdo it. It is rare but some runners drink too much water while running which can also cause your body harm.

Proper nutrition. Following the rules of proper nutrition are also important. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies brought on by the nutrients escaping through excess sweat can also cause injury. For example, low iron levels can result in a higher risk of injury.

Safety gear. If you run at night or in secluded areas, it is important to follow safety precautions. Wear reflective clothing, always bring a cell phone, and tell others where you are going just in case. Some injuries occur because people didn't obey these safety standards.

Running injuries plague a lot of runners. The best thing you can do is try to prevent them. If injury does happen, visit a doctor or a specialist and listen to their suggestions on treating the injury. This will help you get back running in no time.