What are some common knee injuries to track and field athletes?
The most common running injury to people who run a lot is runner’s knee. You have pain behind the knee cap during running and when you press your knee cap against the bone behind it. You can keep the knee cap from rubbing by wearing , special inserts in your shoes, and strengthening exercises so that the muscle pulls your knee cap inwards. Another injury people talk about a lot is shin splints. What are “shin splints” I hear you ask? Well, it can mean anything from tendinitis to stress fractures. The correct name is “Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome” (MTSS). You often have a dull ache in both legs which becomes worse when you are running. You may have swelling around the lower leg and ankle. If you only have pain and swelling in one leg you might have a tibial stress fracture (microscopic fractures in the bone caused by overuse). You will have to reduce the amount of running and apply ice for 20 minutes after exercise 2-3 times a day. Sometimes athletes will tape their shins for support a
