MAXIMISING OLYMPIC DISTANCE TRIATHLON PERFORMANCE ...

problems and injuries related to training[3 - 4].Taking a detailed and specific sportshistory can give us an insight into theathlete’s training habits, short and long -term goals and the equipment used.This information will form the basis onwhich to advise athletes when treatinginjuries or when dealing with potentialproblems.InjuriesIt has already been mentioned thatmany injuries are caused by errors intraining. High mileage and intensitywithout allowing for a suitable recovery,and a sudden increase in trainingvolume are the main culprits. Othercauses are errors in technique,inflexibility of muscles, unyielding runningsurfaces and structural abnormalities(table I).Surveys of triathletes show that themajority of their injuries are runningrelated [5]. This is no surprise given theconsiderable stress on legs caused bypounding on the road, and most injuries,therefore, affect the lower extremities,especially the knee, lower leg and foot.Common running related injuries areiliotibial band syndrome, stressfractures, compartment syndrome, tibialperiostitis, Achilles tendinitis and plantarfasciitis [6].In the treatment of those injuries,attention needs to be paid to the causesof the injuries listed in table I. Manyminor injuries can be helped by properfootwear, possibly including orthotics,and by paying attention to technique. Forestablished injuries, anti - inflammatorymedication, physiotherapy, acupunctureand, as a last resort, cortisoneinjections, might be required. Stressfractures are one of the few injurieswhich require complete rest from running(for approximately six to eight weeks).Often, however, triathletes will still beable to swim and bike in this period.Table I. Causes of overuse injuries:___________________________________________________________________Errors in training‘Too much, too fast, too soon’ is a frequentcause of injury.Errors in TechniqueFaulty EquipmentInflexibility of musclesRunning SurfacesToe running, for example, can lead to manylower leg ailments.Worn shoes, oversized bike etc.The main cause of ‘swimmers shoulder’(supraspinatus endinitis). Muscle inflexibilityalso plays a major role in many running injuries.Concrete and asphalt are hard on the legs.Structural abnormalitiesPees planus (flat feet), pes cavus (high archedfeet), rear foot valgum and varus, genu valgum(bow legs) and genu valgus (knock knees) canall contribute to running and cycling injuries.___________________________________________________________________11