If you’ve ever injured your knee while running, it can be painful and debilitating. Unstable feelings and popping or grinding sounds should not be ignored. That nagging pain centered in the front of my knee was getting worse. It makes running, walking uphill and climbing steps nearly impossible.
Injury is one of the most common threats that runners face, regardless of their fitness level. It can happen to people of all ages, so it’s important not to ignore any ongoing pain during exercise. Always give yourself a “body check” when you’re not feeling well.
Runners are mentally trained to overcome knee pain from normal running, but this can make the injury worse. Pain is an important warning sign that is often ignored. Your brain makes you believe that if you skip running, you’ll be off track and negate any progress you’ve made. Runners train themselves to overcome normal aches and pains in their knees.
In addition to the physical toll, injuries can wreak havoc on the mind and lifestyle. Dennis Ramos, a psychotherapist in Corpus Christi, Texas, says sports injuries can have a variety of effects.
Depending on the extent of the injury, the injured person may have to deal with loss of ability, impaired mobility, changes in daily routine or lifestyle, pain, and the need for rehabilitation or recovery. ” Ramos said.
Ramos said an active or athletic person may suffer psychologically from a loss of activity, especially since physical activity is one of the best ways to help maintain mental and emotional health.
Ramos said mobility issues can result in:
• Decreased ability to cope with stress
• Reduced energy
• Sadness and depression
• anxiety
These effects can be more severe if impaired mobility and activity persist for a long period of time,” Ramos said. “Injuries can also cause dramatic changes in daily life or lifestyle, making it difficult to adapt to the changes. “
Ramos said it’s also important to recognize the impact an injury can have on a person’s income, work situation and lifestyle. Any of these challenges can lead to symptoms of depression and/or anxiety.
“We know that severe chronic pain often leads to frustrated In many people,” he said. “So depending on the injury, that could be a significant issue. Finally, the requirements for recuperation, rehabilitation, retraining, and recovery can be quite challenging and lead to increased stress levels. “
Overcome psychological effects
Ramos said self-care is important after a sports injury. This means good rest, good nutrition, a good supportive community and a positive attitude. Individuals should try to stay active.
“When your doctor approves, try activating uninjured parts of your body,” he says. “For example, if you hurt your leg, try exercising your upper body. Keep your mind active and engage in hobbies, reading, games, social activities, and other things you enjoy. Make a specific plan with your medical team to get back to work as quickly as you can physical activity and activity. If you find yourself experiencing low energy or mood, or persistent anxiety, talk to your medical team and a therapist to help you cope. Remember that depression can sometimes be a symptom of an injury, so Please be careful to let people you trust know about your situation and seek professional help as soon as possible.”
Bottom line: Don’t ignore any pain in your body. If things get worse, stop exercising and see how you feel the next day. Take a moment to breathe and relax, refocus and prioritize self-care.
