Why You Shouldn’t Run Through Injuries: A Sports Medicine Doctor’s Perspective

1. Running Through Injury Can Worsen the Condition

Many running injuries, such as stress fractures, tendonitis, and muscle strains, start as minor issues but can become severe if ignored. Continuing to run on an injured structure delays healing and increases the risk of chronic damage. For example:

• A mild case of shin splints can progress to a stress fracture if untreated.

• Achilles tendonitis can turn into a full tendon rupture, requiring surgery and months of recovery.

2. Compensatory Injuries Develop

When you run through pain, your body instinctively compensates by altering your gait to offload stress. This compensation may lead to secondary injuries in other areas, such as:

• Hip pain due to altered foot strike.

• Knee strain from overcompensating for ankle pain.

• Lower back issues stemming from an imbalanced stride.

3. Delayed Recovery and Increased Downtime

Ignoring injuries often leads to longer recovery periods. A two-week rest to heal a minor strain is far better than months off due to a major injury. The sooner you address the issue, the quicker you can return to running safely.

4. Pain is a Signal, Not an Obstacle

Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. Instead of masking discomfort with painkillers or stubborn determination, identify the root cause. Working with a sports medicine doctor or physical therapist can help pinpoint the issue and develop a treatment and rehabilitation plan.

5. Running Modifications Can Keep You Active

Rest doesn’t always mean complete inactivity. Depending on the injury, you can often modify your training with low-impact alternatives such as:

• Aqua jogging to maintain cardiovascular fitness without impact.

• Cycling or swimming to strengthen muscles while reducing strain.

• Strength training and mobility work to address weaknesses contributing to injury.

When Should You Stop Running?

While mild soreness is normal, stop running and seek medical attention if you experience:

• Sharp, persistent pain that worsens during or after running.

• Swelling, bruising, or instability in a joint.

• Pain that alters your running form or causes limping.

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.

Conclusion

Running through injuries may seem like a badge of toughness, but it often leads to long-term setbacks, chronic pain, and avoidable downtime. Listening to your body, seeking professional care, and adjusting your training will help ensure a stronger and healthier return to running. Prioritizing injury prevention and smart recovery strategies will keep you on the road for years to come.

At Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C., our doctors specialize in sports medicine services, including exercise counseling and physician services to assess your risk for injury and assist in your performance goals.

Call or click to book a session with our professionals at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. In addition to problem-focused visits, we offer sports performance evaluations to stop problems before they start. Plan your visit today!

Author

Peter Wenger, MD Peter C. Wenger, MD, is an orthopedic and non-operative sports injury specialist at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C., in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. He is board certified in both family medicine and sports medicine. Dr. Wenger brings a unique approach to sports medicine care with his comprehensive understanding of family medicine, sports medicine, and surgery. As a multisport athlete himself, he understands a patient’s desire to safely return to their sport.