Training for a triathlon is one of the most difficult things a person can do, but when participants finish the three-part race, they accomplish something they will remember for the rest of their lives. It takes many months to train for a triathlon, and along the way, injuries are common. Injuries to the feet, legs and back are most common, though they can be prevented with proper training, stretching and nutrition.
Plantar Fasciitis
According to Rice University, plantar fasciitis is a very common running injury, and because running makes up a third of the triathlon, triathletes often get plantar fasciitis while training. Plantar fasciitis is heel pain due to an inflammation of the fascia on the the bottom of the foot. The pain is usually worse when you step down or with every step you take while jogging. Proper stretching of the calf muscles can help to prevent plantar fasciitis.
Lower Back Strain
A strain in one of the muscles in the lower back is an injury that people training for triathlons often face. The Sports Injury Clinic states that a muscle strain in the lower back region is usually the result of a sudden movement, such as jumping up onto a bike or diving into the water and reaching out too far. People also strain their lower back when lifting something heavy, such as a bike. A triathletes who strains her back can continue to train but should pay careful attention to the way her back is feeling and visit the doctor if the pain gets worse rather than better.
Sprained Ankle
Sprained ankles are an accidental stretching or tearing of the ligaments in the muscles surround the ankle. The Sports Injury Clinic states that sprained ankles usually occur during running or biking, when a person rolls his ankle too far in one direction. Sprained ankles can be mild, which may only prevent the triathlete from training for a week or so, or they can be severe enough, if ligaments are torn, to take the athlete out of the sport for months.
ACL Tear
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) attaches to the knee and helps us to move forward when we walk or run, the Sports Injury Clinic explains. Tearing the ACL is a very common knee injury for athletes. Although the reason for ACL tears is unknown, the clinic states that females especially may have muscular imbalances in their legs that lead to the tearing of the ligaments when they make a sudden movement, such as jumping onto a bike. ACL tears can be severe enough to require surgery and can take a triathlete out of training for months to even a year.
Achilles Tendon Bursitis
Achilles tendon bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, where the heel attaches to the Achilles tendon, according to Rice University. This foot injury is similar to plantar fasciitis in that pain is worsened by movement of the foot, although the pain in Achilles tendon bursitis is located at the back of the foot toward the heel rather than on the bottom of the foot. This injury is common for triathletes because they are doing so many different movements with their feet during swimming, running and biking. Ice and rest can help heal Achilles tendon bursitis.
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