I’ve Been Running Fine, Why Am I Having Pain Now?
As a runner, you’ve probably experienced this at some point: you’ve been running consistently, your training’s been going well, and you feel strong. But then, out of nowhere, a nagging pain starts to show up during or after your runs. It’s puzzling, especially when you don’t recall doing anything that might have caused it.
So why is this happening? How can you go from feeling fine to dealing with pain seemingly overnight?
The 3-6 Week Lag: How Training Load Affects Injury Onset
One of the most common reasons runners experience pain after feeling fine for weeks or even months is related to how the body responds to changes in training load. Whether it’s increasing mileage, adding more intense workouts, or running on harder surfaces, any spike in training load can lead to stress on the muscles, joints, and tendons.
Here’s the thing: the effects of a sudden increase in training load don’t always show up immediately. It can take 3 to 6 weeks for those changes to catch up with your body. The stress from the added load gradually accumulates, and your tissues can only adapt so fast. If the load exceeds your body’s ability to recover and adapt, the result can be injury or discomfort.
The Danger of Ignoring the Source
It’s easy to think that the pain will just go away on its own. You might push through it or hope it resolves itself with a little rest. While it’s true that some aches and pains can subside with time, there’s a risk in ignoring the underlying issue. Simply treating the symptoms won’t address the root cause of the pain.
Why You Should See a Professional
When pain develops during or after a run, it’s essential to meet with a professional who specializes in running injuries. A PT can help assess the mechanics of your running form, evaluate your mobility and strength, and pinpoint where the issue might be coming from. Sometimes the pain you’re feeling in one area of your body (e.g., knee pain) may actually be a result of an issue elsewhere (e.g., weakness in the hips or tight calves).
A thorough assessment will allow your PT to create a targeted treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. This could involve exercises to strengthen weak muscles, stretches for tight tissues, changes to your running technique, or advice on how to adjust your training load to avoid future injuries.
Ultimately, seeing a professional early in the injury process can prevent a minor issue from turning into a major setback, keeping you on track with your running goals in the long term.