Do you know the most common running injuries?
Running is a natural form of exercise. Injuries do happen, and many factors can increase the risk of injury. For example, spikes in training loads, transitioning between seasons and sudden changes in running shoes and surface.
Overuse injuries are much more common than acute injuries, especially in the lower extremities. Many people experience strains in the back of the thigh and calf. These injuries are most often acute injuries, but are can be the result of an overuse injury developing over time. Prioritizing injury prevention training and proper load management can reduce the risk of these injuries from occurring. If an acute injury does happen, it is usually a sprained ankle after running on uneven surfaces.
It can be a good idea to evaluate running technique. Different running styles have different loading patterns. An analysis of the running technique could provide insight as to where the loads are highest, which may influence injury preventive measures.
Common injuries
- Runner’s knee
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Medial tibial stress syndrome
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Stress fractures in the ankle, foot and leg
- Strain in the lower leg
- Ankle sprain