Jamaican track star and Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt might claim to be the fastest man in the world, but he isn’t nearly as speedy as a cheetah. African cheetahs can run nearly 65 miles per hour; Bolt, on the other hand, can only manage a very pedestrian 28 miles per hour, according to the New York Times.

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine monitored cheetahs’ running style in search of clues on how humans could move faster. The biggest takeaway was that leg turnover requires the most power. Researchers determined the stronger a person’s thighs, the faster he or she is capable of running.

In an earlier blog post, we shared how to avoid runner’s knee with the proper running form. Below are a few more running injuries to be aware of, along with symptoms and potential treatments:

Hip and Thigh Injuries:

• Hip Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa near the hip joint. While treatment is often effective, this is a nagging injury that is likely to return.
• Snapping Hip Syndrome – This term describes three separate injuries: snapping of the IT band, snapping of the hip flexor and tearing of the cartilage, labrum or hip socket.
• Pulled Hamstring – A common injury in sprinters, the hamstring strain requires treatment and/or rest for a speedy recovery.
• Hip Stress Fracture – Long distance runners are more susceptible to hip stress fractures. Treatment requires time away from impact sports.

Knee Injuries:

• Patellofemoral Syndrome – Also called runner’s knee (see our earlier blog post).
• Dislocated Kneecap – Causes sharp pain during dislocation and can lead to long-term, chronic issues. Often, physical therapy is required during recovery.
• Plica Syndrome – Irritation in the lining of the knee joint causes tissue to become inflamed, resulting in knee pain.

If you have any of these symptoms or have questions about proper rehabilitation, please contact OAZ to schedule an appointment. You might not be able to outrun a cheetah, but hopefully refining your technique will improve your times and keep you healthy.

Tags: London 2012, OAZ, ohio athletes, Ohio Sports Injuries, Ohio Sports Medicine, Olympics, Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, Running, Running injuries, Sports Medicine Zanesville, sprinting form, Summer Sports Injuries, Team USA, track and field, Usain Bolt