The ways to treat acute injuries in runners

Participating in the London Marathon is a multifaceted challenge. It's not only about overcoming the obstacles you face during the event. As the race day approaches, the training becomes more demanding, not only physically but also psychologically and emotionally. By now, you have put in a significant amount of hard work, and with each training session, your determination to complete the triathlon grows stronger. However, developing an injury at this stage can be one of the most difficult setbacks to deal with.

Of course, your instinct will be to recover as soon as possible and resume your training. However, it's crucial to exercise caution. Running or engaging in any physical activity while injured (either acute or chronic) can have serious long-term implications for your health. The old saying "no pain, no gain" doesn't apply when it comes to injuries. So, don't put yourself in harm's way unnecessarily, or you may end up deferring to another year.

Nonetheless, many minor injuries that occur in the coming weeks can be effectively treated before race day. If you're unlucky enough to get injured, this article explains some of the most common treatment methods and why they are so effective.

Acute injury treatment 

Diagnosis:

The first step to treating an acute injury is getting it properly diagnosed, either by your GP or a professional sports injury specialist (such as a physiotherapist, sports & remedial therapist or osteopath). The sooner the injury is treated and the symptoms addressed, the quicker the rehabilitation process can start, and the more effective the treatment will be (also, to avoid it becomes chronic).

RICE method to treat acute injuries

The term ‘RICE’ is an acronym for a procedure that is regularly used to treat more minor injuries such as strains and sprains, as well as closed fractures. The individual letters stand for rest, ice, compression and elevation. The objective of RICE is to reducing swelling, alleviating pain and speeding up recovery.

Rest

The first step in treating an acute injury in runners is rest. Rest allows the body to heal and can prevent further damage. Depending on the severity of the injury, complete rest may be necessary, or reduced activity may be sufficient. It is crucial to avoid any activities that exacerbate the injury to prevent further damage.

Ice

The next step is to apply ice to the affected area. Ice can help reduce swelling and inflammation. The ice should be applied for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times per day. The use of ice helps to constrict the blood vessels, which slows down the flow of blood and reduces swelling.

Compression

Compression is the application of pressure to the affected area using an elastic bandage. Compression helps to reduce swelling by limiting the accumulation of fluid around the injury. It also provides support to the affected area, which can help prevent further damage.

Elevation

Elevating the injured limb above the level of the heart can also help reduce swelling and promote healing. Elevation helps to reduce the amount of blood that accumulates in the affected area, which in turn helps to reduce swelling.

Apart from RICE

Pain management

Over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, can be used to manage pain and inflammation. Pain medication helps to reduce pain and discomfort, which can help to improve the patient's overall comfort level. It is essential to follow the recommended dosage and not to exceed the recommended amount.

Rehabilitation

Once the acute phase of the injury has passed, rehabilitation exercises can be used to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the affected area. Rehabilitation may involve exercises such as stretching, strengthening, and balance training. The goal of rehabilitation is to help the patient regain normal function and return to their sport.

Return to activity

When the injury has healed, and the patient has completed the rehabilitation process, they can return to their sport. It is essential to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of the activity. This helps to prevent the injury from recurring and ensures that the patient can continue to participate in their sport safely.

In conclusion, treating acute injuries in runners is crucial for sports therapists. Rest, ice, compression, elevation, pain management, rehabilitation, and a gradual return to activity are all essential steps in the treatment process. Following these steps can help runners recover from acute injuries and return to their sport safely. It is essential to seek the advice of a sports therapist if you have an acute injury to ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment.

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