When do you need to seek professional help with a running injury?

As the race season and cool weather approaches, we all want to run longer, faster, and better.  Here are a few sure signs that it’s time to seek professional help for your running injury:

1.  You are lying sleeplessly in bed at night, not because of the economy, but because of a throbbing pain in your leg.

2.  You are no longer taking the stairs, but looking for every available elevator.

3.  You are taking so much Advil that you’ve made close personal friends with the staff at your local pharmacy.

4.  You are parking your car at the closest entrance to get to work.

5.  The anti-inflammatory drugs that you’ve been given by your sports medicine specialist aren’t working, and he’s pulling out the hypodermic needle.

6.  You feel like your leg is going to fall off while running.

Management of running injuries needs to be addressed by someone who understands the nature of runners and can offer sound medical advice.  Treatments to get back to running are best done by a true running specialist.  I’ve been professionally treating running injuries as a therapist for 27 years, and have been personally running for over 35 years.  We will recognize and address your concerns about your running injury and can help you return to peak performance.

As fall approaches, we are entering the best running months for South Florida.  With the cooler weather, we can look forward to longer workouts with a focus on improved speed and efficient technique.  Preparation is key for the upcoming race season.  Now is the time to begin building your weekly mileage base.  Start with an easy but consistent mileage and steadily improve your fitness over the next six months.  Commit to getting rid of those barriers to healthy running.