It is a fact that athletics is an injury prone discipline. Saint Patrick’s Athletic’s Club organised the first in a series of educational talks for 2008 at its Clubhouse in Gudja RECENTLY.

The main speaker was the club’s physiotherapist Mr Geoff Formosa, B.Sc (Hons), Adv. Dip. (Orth. Med.), MSOM, SRP. However the debate was across the board with those present pointing out at personal injuries and how they dealt with them. Those present included athletes in long distance and sprinters, nurses, doctors and students.

The talk, however, dealt with basic injuries. Geoff Formosa emphasised that injuries are part of the sport, and almost every runner suffers an injury at one point or other. However running injuries can be predicted and even prevented. Occurrences include muscle injury, ligaments, tendons joints and bones. Mostly this is caused through overuse.

Geoff advised that one should progress cautiously and increase mileage and speed gradually, while alternating hard workouts with an easy jog. One should be particularly cautious not to over train. Rest is also critical.

The physiotherapist pointed out that one should not ignore pain. Indeed one is easily tempted to run through pain. This however delays healing. One should also cross train, and emphasised the importance of stretching, recovery, strength training and good footwear. Main injuries in athletics include the back, calf, knee, Achilles, ship splints, ankle, tibia fibula, and the metatarsal and stress fractures.

Treatment should not be delayed and a rehabilitation programme by a qualified person is advisable. Healing is a matter of time. It is also a matter of opportunity, concluded Geoff Formosa.

The next lecture will concentrate on Sports Nutrition which will be held Friday 7 March, preceding the traditional Ronhill Dingli 10, which is sponsored by www.enjoytherun.com, will be held on the 19 March.

For further information one can call St Patrick’s on 9947 2464 or write to [email protected].