TheFinalSprint.com - Track & Field, Marathons, Racing News, Training Advice, Elite Athlete Blogs, Interviews, Podcasts, Videos and More! - TheFinalSprint.com is the Premier Destination for Track & Field, Marathon, Cross Country, Olympic and Road Racing Enthusiasts.

Lead Stories: Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Ice or Heat: The Great Debate

Posted August 31st, 2007 at 2:18 PM by Lisa Cieplechowicz

Section: Running & Training, Injury & Rehab, Health & Fitness, Injury & Rehab

Ice or heat? As straightforward as this question sounds, these two choices are often points of hot debate amongst athletes attempting to soothe injured body parts.

Yet despite strong arguments from both sides, here’s the simple truth: ice and heat both have their advantages and neither is a cure-all. Therefore, the safest bet to heal sports-induced injuries is to understand which method works best for what conditions and when.

Read the rest of this entry at our partner site: HesFit.com

Comment on this post | Permalink

Eight strategies for reducing knee pain

Posted August 9th, 2007 at 4:12 PM by Julie R. Keen

Section: Health & Fitness, Injury & Rehab, Exercise

Knee injuries are common for the weekend warrior and athlete alike. The best way to handle knee injuries is by prevention. Once they start, they can be tough to treat, depending upon the structure injured.

When we look at the anatomy of the knee, there are some major structural elements that can be injured, usually from traumatic events. By this I mean an landing wrong in the midst of your big 5k race, improper tackle playing football, or missing the landing on the jump when skiing.

If you have injured one of these structures, and didn’t notice, you have a bigger problem than just some knee stiffness! If your knee is really swollen, painful, and feels unstable, go see a good orthopedic surgeon immediately. If your knees give you occasional trouble during your workouts, or you find that you can’t do certain exercises because of your knees, then these tips might help…

Read the rest of this entry at our partner site: HesFit.com

One comment, add yours | Permalink

Runner’s Knee and the processes of prevention & healing

Posted June 14th, 2007 at 11:00 AM by Courtney Albon

Section: Running & Training, Injury & Rehab, Health & Fitness, Injury & Rehab

The term “runner’s knee” refers to an inflammation of the tendon, the (ITB), that is located on the outside of the thigh. As injury to this tendon often results from overuse of the knees, and runner’s rely on their knees to function within their sport, the title “runner’s knee” is quite appropriate. The name is, however, deceptively exclusive as runner’s knee describes an ailment common among individuals who are active in a spectrum of activities such as biking, walking, or jumping.

As mentioned above, the inflammation of the ITB can be a result of overuse or overstretching of the tendon in any activity that requires repeated knee bending. Misalignment is also a factor in the injury. If a bone is out of it’s correct position, then the excess stress being placed elsewhere can result in the pulling and inflammation of the ITB. The tendon can also undergo stress because of weak thigh muscles or a direct injury to the knee such as a fall or a blow. Runners with flat feet, or fallen arches, often have knee problems as the ITB is forced to stretch in order to compensate for the missing arch.
Read the rest of this entry »

2 comments, add yours | Permalink

‘Tis the season for snowshoeing!

Posted February 14th, 2007 at 1:00 PM by Valerie Cerami

Section: Running & Training, Gear & Apparel, Miscellaneous, Training Tips, Cross Training

It’s been too dangerous (during this frigid icy spell) to get in most of your outdoor runs. You can always count on the gym (for a treadmill under the air vent), but counting on indoor rubber is like counting sheep.

I miss the fix of fresh air, sans someone sneezing on me. I don’t particularly enjoy the forced eavesdropping of my neighbors cell phone conversation – let alone, the conversation I become a mute-third-party to. I need my daily dose of endorphins pumping, heart pounding, pore and mind opening, oxygen.

And I also enjoy the solitude and brief escape from the electronics that rule the day. During disagreeable weather, there is hope for us all to: get outside – get re-energized – and get a great cross-training hobby - without relying on the boredom of the machines housed in germ-factories of the masses …

What can we die-hard, runners do when it’s snowing?
Simple. Snowshoe.
Read the rest of this entry »

Comment on this post | Permalink

TFS Review:
Contour Pak’s Cold Pak

Posted February 6th, 2007 at 10:00 AM by Adam Jacobs

Section: Running & Training, Injury & Rehab, Gear & Apparel, Sports Medicine, Special Features, Health & Fitness, Injury & Rehab, TFS Reviews

Product: Contour Pak’s Cold Pak
Price: $19.95
Rating: Excellent 9.0/10.0
Pros: Stays in place; easy-to-use; versatile; effective; stays cold longer than other cold compresses; washable, durable, can be used without a paper towel or other protective barrier
Cons: None
Overall: The most effective and well-designed mechanism for treating minor injuries with cold therapy.

Cold therapy is a an excellent treatment option because it can prevent new injuries, accelerate the healing process, relieve pain and reduce swelling. Unfortunately, traditional cold compresses are only effective for a short period of time, force you to remain in one place and can be difficult to use on certain parts of your body. That’s why we were so impressed with Contour Pak’s Cold Pak - a gel pack that manages to avoid all the traditional cold therapy pitfalls.
Read the rest of this entry »

Comment on this post | Permalink

Shin Splints: What a pain in the leg!

Posted November 29th, 2006 at 4:00 PM by Jonathan Faccone

Section: Running & Training, Injury & Rehab, Health & Fitness, Injury & Rehab

One of the most common nuisances for athletes, and especially runners, is having to deal with shin splints. Anyone who has experienced pain in the front part of their lower leg, possibly some swelling and/or other shin-area irritation has likely had the unfortunate (albeit very common) experience of shin splints. They can be incredibly irritating, painful and can even impede on your performance and/or training regimen.

The scientific term for shin splints is traction periostitis and they occur when the legs are subjected to constant pounding (often from running on hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete sidewalks). Shin splints are even more common for new runners or runners who have recently increased their weekly mileage, running surface or training intensity because their legs are just not used to the stress. That’s why it’s important to remember to take such changes slowly. This will help to prevent shin splints and a myriad of other common running injuries. Read the rest of this entry »

One comment, add yours | Permalink