Common Injuries in Runners

Patellofemoral syndrome (also called Runner’s knee), is a general term that refers to pain in the front of your knee or around your kneecap. It’s a common overuse injury in sports that involve running or jumping. Weakness in your hips or the muscles around your knee can put you at a higher risk of developing patellofemoral syndrome. Symptoms can vary from mild to very painful and are typically aggravated with stairs, activity, prolonged sitting and squatting. A physical therapist can provide you exercises focused on your individual muscle imbalances for better biomechanics and less strain across your patella.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot injuries. It involves irritation or degeneration of the thick layer of tissue, called fascia, on the bottom of your foot.  This layer of tissue acts as a spring when you’re walking or running. Increasing your running volume too quickly and/or improper footwear can put your fascia under increased stress. Muscle tightness or weaknesses in your calves can also put you at risk of plantar fasciitis. Symptoms are typically a pain under your heel or a burning in your foot that is worse in the morning or after prolonged activity. Activity modification may be required to allow for recovery. Therapy consists of stretching and strengthening exercises to improve foot mechanics while running. 

Shin splints (tibial stress syndrome) refers to pain that occurs in the front or the inner parts of your lower legs, along your shinbone. Shin splints can happen when you increase your running volume too quickly, especially when running on hard surfaces. Shin splints will develop as a dull pain in front or inner part of your shinbone that gets worse with activity and may be tender to the touch. 

 In most cases, shin splints are not serious and go away with rest. However, if left untreated, they can develop into stress fractures which can take 6-8 weeks to heal and may require use of crutches or cast for immobilization.