In today’s New York Times, there is an interesting article about the frequency of injuries, who they are, and why it happens. Health columnist, Gina Kolata, poses the questions: why do some people get injured even when they try to do everything right, while others who do the wrong things avoid injury? How do we prevent injuries from those who are injury prone?
Most scientists cannot answer these questions. There is a lot of variability in the body, so we can’t definitively say that “this” is what causes an injury. Scientists have concluded that some injuries do have easy fixes, like with proper fittings, strengthening structural alignment and musculature, and changing specific biomechanics. For example, one of the scientists in the study interviewed said that those who frequently have runner’s knee show a drop in their hip with each step and their knees cave inward excessively. Others who have tibial fractures often heel strike hard, so there is just more force with each step. However, beyond these observances, most injuries are simply because everyone is different.
I’ve always been amazed at this and perhaps it is one reason that I feel a bit envious sometimes of those who can run so many miles in a day or race frequently and not get injured. I have a friend who runs quite a few marathons and ultramarathons in a year and does not appear to get injured. He is running NYC marathon this weekend and then another 60K race two weeks later. To me, that seems crazy, but that’s him for you. I know logically, my body would feel like that would be overkill.
So speaking of injuries, I’m not sure what is up with my right knee. It feels similar to runner’s knee, but I do not have the popping and grinding sounds as before. I’ll keep an eye on it and see what happens. i’m meeting my physical therapist for lunch next wek, so I can discuss this with her.
