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Common Running Injuries

From Laura Inverarity, D.O.,
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD
Although running is a great source of exercise, runners are more susceptible to various injuries due to the stress this activity places on the legs. For example, each time a runner's foot hits the ground it generates forces equivalent to at least three times the body's weight. Maybe this is the reason 70% of runners will experience an injury at some point! Let's take a look at the three most common running injuries.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome:

The iliotibial band is a thick tendon located on the outer portion of the thigh. It runs from the hip joint down to the knee joint. Iliotibial band syndrome is an overuse condition. It occurs when a tight iliotibial band rubs against the outer knee bone. This causes friction, which results in swelling of this band at the knee joint. The swollen tissue causes pain around the knee during activity.

Runner's Knee:

Runner’s knee is medically referred to as patellofemoral syndrome. This condition occurs when the knee cap does not glide correctly on the thigh bone, known as the femur. In runner's knee, pain occurs as a result of this abnormal movement.

Shin Splints:

Shin splints are another type of overuse injury that results in pain along the inner lower leg. This condition occurs when the thin layer of tissue that covers the leg bone, or tibia, becomes swollen due to repetitive use of the muscles on top of it.

Source:
Leg Pain in the Running Athlete Pell et al. J Am Acad Orthop Surg.2004; 12: 396-404
Updated: October 18, 2007
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