Warning: Running Injury Ahead!

I get a lot of questions from runners who think they may have a running injury, but aren't quite sure. As you increase your distance and intensity, it's normal to feel some discomfort, such as sore muscles. Sometimes you'll feel soreness when you first start your run, but it feels better as you warm up and continue running.

It's also normal to feel pain in your joints, especially your knees, when the cushioning in your running shoes is shot and you need to replace them. When your shoes are the culprit, you'll most likely feel the pain on both sides, and it will clear up within a week or two of getting new running shoes.

You should be on the lookout for pain that causes you to run with a limp or altered stride, or pain that keeps getting worse as you continue running. If you notice any of those red flags, you should stop running immediately and take a few days off.

Sports Medicine Guide Elizabeth has a very helpful list of sports injury warning signs, such as joint pain, tenderness at a specific point, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Check out her article and see if your pain sounds like it already is or could develop into a running injury. If that's the case, don't ignore those symptoms and make sure you get it checked out by a doctor.

More:

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• When Is It OK to Run Through Pain?
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• How to Prevent Running Injuries
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• What If I Have to Take Time Off from Running?

Warning: Running Injury Ahead! originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 13:13:24.

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