There are 26 bones and 30 joints on a person’s foot. When we run, all these bones and joints experience an added pressure. So, an injury can happen anytime and almost 50% of regular runners get injured at least once a year. However, running is a great form of exercise and if you really enjoy it, it’s natural to feel restless after getting injured.  So, let’s answer this million-dollar question today: How long do running injuries take to heal?

Common Injuries Resulting from Running & Their Healing Time 

1. Metatarsalgia

If you have metatarsalgia, you may feel a weird kind of pain, as if there are stones in your shoes. The pain is usually felt in the area between two toes, and it gets aggravated if you run, stand for hours, or walk a long distance. The symptoms develop when the metatarsal bones feel pressure and it’ll be better to avoid high-heeled shoes. 

But what’s the healing timeline for running injuriesrelated to metatarsalgia. With treatment, the pain goes away in 6-8 weeks. Non-compliance with treatments will double the pain and recovery time.

 2. Plantar fasciitis 

The plantar fascia comprises fibrous tissue and it connects the heel and toes. Inflammation in the fascia can cause pain which gets aggravated after standing for hours or when climbing stairs.

Foot injury healing for runners who have plantar fasciitis can take a few weeks or a few months. The symptoms may return at times. To minimize discomfort, you can rely on anti-inflammatory medications, resting, application of ice pack, and stretching.

3. Tibia stress fractures

One of the most common types of injuries among runners is tibia stress fractures. It means having a crack or fracture in the tibia or shinbone, causing deep pain. Women with low body mass are more prone to having tibia stress fractures. Like other running injuries, tibia stress fracture pain increases during running, standing, and dancing.

Also, x-rays cannot always detect these fractures, but MRI scans can. For proper recovery, you have to wait at least a month.

4. Achilles tendinitis 

The tissues connecting the heel bone to the calf muscles are called Achilles tendons. If there is repetitive or intense strain on the Achilles tendons during running, one can have Achilles tendinitis. With age, the tendon becomes weak and more susceptible to tear.

Now let’s talk about Achilles tendon injury recovery. It can take 5-6 weeks to recover. Running injury rehab can speed up the process as it includes everything from rest to physical therapy. Meanwhile, wear supportive shoes.

5. Ankle sprain

If the ligaments in your ankle get torn or overstretched, you may end up with a sprain. This sprain happens if the foot gets twisted or turned beyond the normal range of motion. Sportsmen and athletes often complain of ankle sprains when they suddenly change directions or jump. 

Ankle sprain recovery for runners depends on the sprain’s severity. Some symptoms are swelling, bruising, and tenderness.

6. Shin splints

Do you feel pain along the long bone in your lower leg? Then in medical terminology, it’s termed shin splints. This too is a running injury. Rest, elevation, compression, and ice are the four remedies to shin splints.

So, what’s the shin splints healing time? In mild cases, the pain vanishes within a week. In severe cases, it may trouble you for months. So, it will be wise to take some time off sports and strenuous activities.

Tips for Preventing Running Injuries

Once you recover from a running injury, you can be more careful to prevent painful injuries in the future. Here are some points to keep in mind:

  1. Invest in good quality running shoes along with soft/ silicone insoles to support your feet.
  2. Avoid overtraining to keep overuse injuries at bay.
  3. Before you run, stretch for a few minutes to keep your muscles flexible and reduce the chances of injury.
  4. Getting sufficient sleep at night and eating nutrient-rich foods can prevent injuries to an extent.
  5. If you are a professional runner, run under the expert supervision of a fitness coach.
  6. Be kind to your feet and know when you should stop.

Still not sure how long to rest running injury? Your doctor is the best person to answer this question.

To Sum Up 

In the end, remember that running that all injuries heal with time. Therefore, instead of freaking out, give your body some rest for quick running injury recovery.

Also, just because you got injured once doesn’t mean you should stop running. It’s great for your body and mind and has a range of health benefits. So, happy running!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. How long does it typically take to heal from common running injuries? 

The healing time for common running injuries vary depending on the nature of the injury. For example, recovering from runner’s knee may take a week. Plantar fasciitis, on the other hand, can trouble you for up to 6 months.

Q. What factors affect the recovery time for a running injury?

Many factors impact the healing time for common running injuries.Some main factors are treatment adherence, age, severity of the injury, personal physiology, and lifestyle choices.