Walking Vs. Jogging Injuries

All exercises carry with them the risk of injury. While the risk of injury from walking isn't grave, jogging may increase your injury-risk factor. L.H. Colbert, a researcher from the National Cancer Institute, led a study published in the October 2000 "Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine" that found the risk of injury from walking is significantly less than running.

Walking Injuries

You can positively benefit from walking no matter the pace or terrain. The injury rate from walking is extremely low, according to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics website. Though rare, walking injures may occur and can include pain in your feet, ankles, knees and calves. Some causes of walking injuries are non-supportive footwear or stepping down incorrectly. It is therefore a good idea to wear comfortable, cushioned, fully-supportive shoes while walking. It is also a good idea not to rush while walking to avoid an accidental misstep, such as twisting your foot the wrong way.

Treating a Walking Injury

In order to treat a walking injury, it is important for you to ice your injury as soon as possible and elevate it. It is also important to rest and not try to be too active until your injury is healed. You may also take aspirin or ibuprofen if your injury swells in order to reduce inflammation. Any medication should only be taken with the approval of your physician, though, as these anti-inflammatory drugs might cause side effects if you have kidney problems or allergies.

Jogging Injury Risk

According to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, joggers are more prone to injuries during the first four to six months of starting a new jogging routine. The risk of injury from jogging also increases if your jogging speed increases, your jogging distance increases, or if you go back to jogging too quickly after already sustaining an injury. To avoid jogging injuries, it is best to try to jog on a flat and smooth surface.

Jogging Injuries

The body parts most likely to suffer from jogging injuries include the feet, legs, knees, thighs, pelvis and back according to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. Stress fractures, tendonitis and sciatica are injuries that can occur due to jogging. Some injuries can be treated with activity modification and by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. Some jogging injuries, such as tearing of the knee or a cut-off of blood supply to the leg muscles, may require surgery. Just as with walking, it is important to supportive shoes with proper shock absorbing to help avoid injuries.