It’s no secret that most of the fitness freaks are big fans of running. It is one of the best ways to torch calories, build muscle, boost heart health and bust stress. What’s more? It’s a super convenient workout – just grab your sneakers and there you go!

But, running has its downsides, too. As per some experts, it can take a toll on your knee joints, lead to dead butt syndrome and runner’s face, and many more. However, these claims can send the running devotees sprinting to some other direction, laughing their lungs out!

Here are some interesting facts and myths about running that are sure to get you inspired to pull on your sneakers – or at least give a consideration to it!

1. Crackling Knees:

Runner’s knee (or Patellofemoral pain syndrome in scientific terms) is one of the most common body wreckers caused due to playing sports.

Check for pain around or close to your kneecaps after sitting with bent knees for a long period of time or after working out – running, squatting or climbing the stairs.

Wondering what provoked your knees to make those angry clicking noises?

The answer is here – The knee joint is a delicate location which serves as the connector between your thigh bone and skin bone. If your knee cap doesn’t move properly at this junction, there are chances that you can develop a runner’s knee when you stretch your legs.

Wait; don’t rush to alter your running style after learning about it. You’ll end up injuring yourself while trying to fix your stride!
The best treatment is to take a small break from your running routine, and then ease back with plenty of warm-up exercises and training. This will strengthen your knee joint.

2. Dead Butt Syndrome:

“Lately, there’s been a lot of hype over running being a ‘pain in the butt’”. Whether you call it a pain in the butt or dead-butt syndrome; it refers to a condition which causes inflammation of the tendons in your rear.

“The myth” says that almost all the runners experience this dead butt syndrome. Well, myths are just myths – they are not true! The fact behind this pain is that any rigorous activity can trigger it; and yes, running can be one of them!

The culprits here are the muscle strains, pulled muscles, and hip or pelvis misalignment. All you can do to avoid dead butt syndrome is to either slow down or take a break altogether from such rigorous activities. Give your body some TLC and quality amount of rest.

If it doesn’t subside even after a week, consult your doctor.

3. Re-Grow Kidney Cartilage Using Supplements:

Despite the claims of supplement manufacturing companies and their ads, there are no dietary supplements that can increase or grow kidney cartilage. However, glucosamine may help you to protect the articular cartilage and lubricate the knee joint.

4. Chafing:

Thanks to the sporting goods industry to show their kindness for women’s chests by manufacturing sports bras. They are available in all sizes. Sports bras prevent the sensitive nipples from chafing; especially during long distance training (Men don’t have any such protection and thus they end up with bruised or bloody chests, Poor Men!).

Chafing along the bikini line is also very common in female runners, especially if you wear thong underwear. Excessive sweat makes the sensitive area irritable and itchy.

Switch over to nylon or mesh fabrics that have natural wicking properties.

5. Black Toenails:

Are you in your Goth phase and wearing black nail polish on your toes?

Well, you’re not alone! Many runners suffer from this. Black toenails are usually caused by bleeding underneath the nail. Small or improper footwear may share a helping hand to cause this.

The remedy is buying your running shoes a size larger or by talking to your trainer for correct shoe recommendations. “A correct pair of shoe can make all the difference!”

6. Overactive Bladder:

Do you find yourself in “gotta-go” feeling frequently after covering just a couple of miles?
This could be caused due to couple of factors. It could be due to increased blood flow from the workout that speeds up all the body systems or may be it’s just an urge to pee.

Water is essential for a healthy workout, so don’t stop hydrating yourself. Instead, speak to your doctor if it’s bothering you much.

7. Runner’s High:

It’s a proven fact that running produces feel-good endorphins in the brain. However, the time and intensity of running varies from person to person to achieve the runner’s high.

And that’s the reason devotees keep on blabbering that running isn’t all about aches and pains!

The same endorphin that stimulates runner’s high also contributes in relieving stress and boosting the mood.

8. Runny Nose:

When you go running, you will find your nose following suit.

This is probably caused due to the increase in breathing rate, which provokes your nose to produce more mucus. This condition is termed as exercise-induced rhinitis.

Tuck some tissues in the pocket of your shorts and don’t let your runny nose interfere in your running schedule!

9. Runner’s Face:

Another appalling myth about running- most runners run their faces off and end up creating a “Skeletor” – esque appearance – commonly called as “runner’s face”.

Most experts and surgeons disagree with this. They claim that loss of facial fatty tissues is the result of strict diet and rigorous exercise.

That’s no reason to stop working out!

Did these running related maladies make you want to put on your sneakers (or at least think about it)? A daily jog is more likely to make you feel better than turning yourself into a dead-butted skeleton.

Take the injuries seriously, but don’t let the myths fool you!

Happy Running!

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by Jyotsana rao via STYLECRAZE