Ep 364: Dr Rich Will & Brad Beer: Mastering Running Injuries
Dec 9, 2024
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Dr. Rich Willy, an expert in running injuries and Associate Professor at the University of Montana, joins Sarah Yule to delve into injury management for runners. They discuss the critical role of education and load management in treatment, as well as the fascinating impact of footwear, including insights on 'super shoes.' The conversation also highlights strategies for handling bone stress injuries and the challenges of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Expect valuable tips tailored for endurance athletes!
Injury management for runners requires a comprehensive understanding of conditions such as proximal hamstring tendinopathy, patellofemoral pain, and bone stress injuries.
Education and effective communication with athletes about realistic recovery timelines are essential for fostering persistence and engagement during rehabilitation.
Footwear plays a multifaceted role in preventing and managing running injuries, necessitating a balanced approach that integrates training regimens and injury histories.
Deep dives
Challenges in Managing Running Injuries
The discussion highlights that some of the most challenging running injuries to manage include proximal hamstring tendinopathy, patellofemoral pain, and bone stress injuries. Proximal hamstring tendinopathy tends to linger the longest, often complicated by the dual stresses runners face, such as cycling and high tensile loads. Similarly, patellofemoral pain remains prevalent despite its commonality, with varied presentations that make effective treatment challenging. Bone stress injuries require careful consideration of risk factors, and managing recurring cases can become increasingly complex due to the possibility of multiple anatomical sites sustaining injuries.
The Importance of Education and Communication
Education plays a critical role in effectively treating running injuries, as clinicians must set realistic expectations for recovery timelines with athletes. It is vital to communicate that managing these injuries often involves a longer process than many patients may anticipate, emphasizing the need for persistence. Clinicians should also provide patients with tools to better understand their conditions, which includes discussing the complexities of load management and exercise therapy. This approach fosters a sense of momentum in recovery, even when patients face setbacks, helping them feel more engaged and informed about their rehabilitation.
The Role of Footwear in Injury Management
Footwear is presented as a significant factor in both managing and preventing running-related injuries, although its role may vary depending on the type of injury. Higher stack shoes can influence biomechanical loads and possibly contribute to issues at the knee, while minimalist shoes can affect foot and ankle injuries. Effective use of footwear may help manage loads, particularly in instances of injury recovery, but it is essential to remember that footwear alone cannot be blamed as a primary cause of injuries. The overall approach to footwear should be balanced, considering it as one aspect of a much larger picture that includes the athlete's training regimen and injury history.
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDS)
Recognizing and screening for relative energy deficiency in sport (REDS) is crucial for athletes, as it can impact overall health and performance significantly. Indicators such as menstrual irregularities, unexplained fatigue, and body weight changes should raise the clinician's suspicion for REDS. Clinicians are encouraged to work collaboratively with dietitians and other health professionals to evaluate and address this issue comprehensively. Furthermore, understanding the athlete's overall exercise volume, including cross-training, is critical to assessing the risk and making appropriate recommendations.
The Impact of Technology on Training and Recovery
Technological advancements have transformed how athletes monitor training loads, but they also come with challenges that can affect their mental approach to performance. GPS devices and training apps can provide valuable data, helping clinicians and athletes track running workload and identify spikes that may lead to injuries. However, the reliance on technology can sometimes create unrealistic expectations or obsessive behavior regarding performance metrics. Clinicians should encourage athletes to balance the data-driven insights with intuitive feedback from their bodies, ensuring that technology aids their recovery rather than hinders their well-being.
In this episode we’re syndicating a conversation originally recorded for the Physio Network podcast with Dr Rich Willy and host Sarah Yule.
We delve into the art and science of injury prevention and recovery for runners. With a focus on mastering running injuries, this conversation is packed with actionable insights tailored for endurance athletes. Dr Rich Willy, Associate Professor at the University of Montana and Director of the Montana Running Lab shares his expertise on managing persistent running injuries, the critical role of education and load management in treatment, and the impact of footwear—including clinical insights on "super shoes." We also explore the challenges of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and effective strategies for managing bone stress injuries in runners.
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