Running is a great form of cardio that strengthens your heart, muscles, and improves your overall well-being. Numerous studies have proven the health benefits of pounding the pavement, including living a longer life. However, too much of a good thing is always possible, even when it comes to running. Running too much and too often can have ill health benefits on your body including injury and oxidative stress.
How Does Running Cause Nerve Damage?
Oxidative stress occurs when your body becomes depleted of antioxidants to fight off free radicals. These free radicals’ build-up and bind with cholesterol to fill your arteries with harmful plaque that can cause heart disease and damage your cells and nerves. Nerve damage is sometimes irreversible, depending on the cause. Symptoms of nerve damage from running can include:
- A “pins and needles” like sensation that feels like a tingling or burning often along your hands, feet, and legs. You may even feel a slight burning feeling along with the tingling sensation.
- Numbness or loss of feeling in one or more of your body parts, typically the lower extremities, like your legs and feet.
- Recurrent muscle spasms or contractions
- Not being able to recover properly after a run. No matter how long you rest, your body still aches, and muscles won’t recover.
- Feeling pain in your legs but not being able to pinpoint exactly where the pain is coming from.
Tips to Prevent Nerve Damage
The first step in preventing nerve damage from running is to not run excessively. It’s important that you give your body enough rest in between runs to recover. Listen to your body and be sure you are not pushing yourself too hard. If you experience pain or injury, wait until you are completely healed before you run again. To help your body heal from a tough workout, be sure you are getting proper nutrition. WoundVite, by Zen Nutrients, is an all-in-one dietary supplement that contains natural vitamins and minerals that support injury recovery. Supplements provide an easy way to be sure you are getting the right nutrients your body needs to heal.
Also be sure to wear proper fitting footwear and clothing that don’t restrict blood flow. Drink plenty of water and don’t forget to replenish your electrolytes after long runs. Your body loses important vitamins and minerals through prolonged bouts of sweating. Overtime, vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause nerve damage. Be sure you are replenishing these nutrients by eating properly and taking dietary supplements when needed. Neurazenx™ is an all-natural nutraceutical specifically formulated to support healthy nerves and prevent nerve damage. Each potent vitamin, mineral, and herb supplement in Neurazenx™ was chosen by Tampa Bay veteran pharmacist, Devan Patel, and a group of leading physicians to address nerve pain and nerve support. Regular rest, injury prevention, and proper nutrient replenishment are key to staying healthy and protecting your nerves.
Conclusion
Running is a great form of exercise and you absolutely should continue your regular workouts. However, make sure you are taking care of yourself and giving your body time to heal. If at any time you feel pain or discomfort, discontinue your running routine. Should your injuries worsen or not get better, seek out medical advice. Drink plenty of fluids and don’t forget to take your vitamins.
Devan Patel 