Running injuries
Common overuse injuries include shin splints, stress fractures, Achilles tendinitis, Iliotibial band syndrome, Patellofemoral pain (runner's knee), and plantar fasciitis.
Different types of modern running shoes are created to adjust the foot strike pattern in an effort to reduce the risk of injury.
In recent years, barefoot running has increased in popularity in many Western countries, because of claims that it reduces the risk of injury.
"[4] A side stitch is an intense stabbing abdominal pain under the lower edge of the ribcage that occurs during exercise.
The precise cause is unclear, although it most likely involves irritation of the abdominal lining, and the condition is more likely after consuming a meal or a sugary beverage.
Generally, the muscle or tendon overstretches and partially tears, under more physical stress than it can withstand,[8] often from a sudden increase in duration, intensity, or frequency of an activity.
[9] Immediate treatment typically includes five steps abbreviated as PRICE: protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation.
[12] The majority of sprains are mild, causing minor swelling and bruising that can be resolved with conservative treatment, typically summarized as RICE: rest, ice, compression, elevation.
[14] This is caused by wearing shoes with a narrow toe bed, like high heels, or in high-impact activities like running or jogging.
"[15] These findings suggest that focusing on proper running form, particularly when fatigued, could reduce the risk of running-related injuries.
A shin splint, also known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), is pain along the inside edge of the shinbone (tibia) due to inflammation of tissue in the area.
Groups that are commonly affected include runners (especially on concrete or asphalt), dancers, gymnasts, and military personnel.
Recurrence is a common issue with iliotibial band syndrome, as pain goes away with a period of rest, but symptoms can easily come back as the runner returns to training.
[22] Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain and affects about two million people in the United States.
Extrinsic risk factors include deconditioning, hard surfaces, inadequate stretching and poor footwear.
[23] Oxidative DNA damage in peripheral blood cells was found to be higher in runners than in sedentary control subjects.
[25] Wearing traditional running shoes protect runners from the typical road debris such as sticks and stones.
[26] Study participants wearing running shoes with moderate lateral torsional stiffness "were 49% less likely to incur any type of lower extremity injury and 52% less likely to incur an overuse lower extremity injury than" participants wearing running shoes with minimal lateral torsional stiffness, both of which were statistically significant observations."
[29] So-called "traditional" running shoes are designed to give more support and cushion the landing to reduce the effects of impact.
They allow for more-comfortable running on hard surfaces such as asphalt and also protect the foot when stepping on rocks or other potentially sharp objects.
The collision of the forefoot with the ground generates a significantly smaller impact force in comparison to striking heel first.
Beginning to run barefoot without reducing intensity or mileage of training can actually cause muscle or tendon injury.
To measure this, a study was conducted involving runners who habitually run with a rearfoot strike while wearing shoes.
As with barefoot running, runners who switch to minimalist shoes should not start out at full training intensity.
