Running is a popular form of exercise and a great way to stay in shape, but it can also lead to injuries if not done properly. As an orthopaedic surgeon, I see a wide range of running injuries in my practice, and I would like to share some information on the most common ones and how to prevent them.
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Runner’s Knee
One of the most common running injuries is runner's knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome. This occurs when the kneecap (patella) rubs against the thigh bone (femur) and causes pain and inflammation. Runner's knee is usually caused by overuse, improper form, or muscle imbalances. To prevent runner's knee, it is important to have proper form when running, warm up and cool down properly, and strengthen the muscles in the legs and hips.
Shin Splints
Another common running injury is shin splints, which is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the front or inside of the lower leg. Shin splints are often caused by overuse or worn-out shoes. To prevent shin splints, it is important to gradually increase the intensity and duration of your runs, wear the appropriate shoes for your foot type, and stretch and strengthen the muscles in the legs.
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is another injury that is common among runners, characterized by pain and inflammation in the Achilles tendon, which connects the heel bone to the calf muscle. This injury can be caused by overuse, improper form, or worn-out shoes. To prevent Achilles tendonitis, it is important to stretch and strengthen the calf muscles, wear shoes with proper support, and maintain proper form when running.
Stress Fractures
A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repetitive stress. This injury is most common in the foot and ankle, and is often caused by overuse or running on hard surfaces. To prevent stress fractures, it is important to gradually increase the intensity and duration of your runs, wear shoes with proper support, and run on surfaces that are not too hard.
Hamstring injury
Another injury that can occur with running is hamstring injuries. Hamstring injuries are common among runners and often caused by overuse, lack of flexibility, or muscle imbalances. To prevent hamstring injuries, it is important to properly warm up and cool down, and to stretch and strengthen the hamstrings.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain in runners. It is an inflammation of the connective tissue in the bottom of the foot. To prevent plantar fasciitis, it is important to wear shoes that fit well and offer good arch support, and to perform exercises that strengthen the muscles in the foot and leg.
Meniscal tears
Meniscal injuries are a common knee injury among runners, caused by tears in the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. These injuries can be caused by overuse, improper form, or muscle imbalances. To prevent meniscal injuries, it is important to maintain proper form, warm up and cool down properly, and to strengthen the muscles in the legs and hips.
In summary, running is a great way to stay in shape, but it can also lead to injuries if not done properly. Common running injuries include runner's knee, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, hamstring injuries, plantar fasciitis, and meniscal injuries. To prevent these injuries, it is important to have proper form when running, warm up and cool down properly, wear the appropriate shoes, and stretch and strengthen the muscles in the legs and hips. If you experience any pain or discomfort while running, it is important to see an orthopaedic surgeon for an evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common running injuries?
Most common issues in runners involve chronic overuse problems, such as patellar or achilles tendonitis, or stress fractures.
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