Running has many, many benefits for those who do it routinely. That said, there are some risks to running as well. Read on to learn four of these risks.
When people think of running, one significant source of discomfort is the dreaded feeling of shin splints. These develop because of ligament and muscle strain in the legs due to poor form, running too many miles, or wearing the wrong shoes, and they’re hard to alleviate immediately. While most people know about shin splints, there are several more risks to consider before committing to running routinely. For those who are curious, here are four common risks associated with running.
Blisters
First, blisters are incredibly easy to obtain when you start to run, and they necessitate careful planning to avoid. Don’t start running too many miles too quickly, or the sudden increase in friction on your feet will surely produce painful blisters.
Instead, ramp up slowly, and prepare your feet accordingly. Run with shoes that fit well without being too tight—both looseness and tightness can increase the friction your feet experience. Otherwise, use moisture-wicking, synthetic-based socks so you don’t trap moisture near your feet and cause the friction your feet experience to do excessive damage.
Sunburn
While not directly related to running, sunburn is a definite hazard. Prolonged exposure to the sun without some barrier between your skin and ultraviolet rays contributes to potential skin cancer later on in life. Guard your skin with moderate-to-high SPF sunscreen, and limit your running sessions on sunny days.
Joint Pain
Another common risk associated with running is an increase in joint pain. This is particularly true for those with existing joint maladies as well as obese individuals. Because running does place more-than-typical strain on joints with every step, it’s important to assess whether you should run with either of these conditions. Talk to your doctor to obtain a professional opinion. If you do run, you may need to limit your mileage carefully.
Incontinence Issues
Also, due to increased bodily stress as you run, incontinence issues are more likely when you run. This is especially true for women. Urinary issues while running are embarrassing, but thankfully, there are several helpful ways to manage these incontinence problems. Overall, incontinence symptoms have a higher chance of diminishing than an issue such as chronic joint pain.