Where do running injuries occur?
The following structures are the most often affected in running injuries, in approximately the order listed: • Ligament to bone, or tendon to bone attachments • Bones • Muscles • Tendons • Bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs which allow free movement of tendons over bones • Blood vessels • Nerves Interestingly enough, the changing quality of running shoes over the past decade has led to changes in the frequency of different types of running injury. Since 1970, the incidence of achilles tendonitis (inflammation of the achilles tendon) has dropped from around 20% to 5% of all injuries. At the same time the incidence of bone strain has risen from 10 to 18%, while the incidence of runner’s knee has increased from 23 to 44%. The incidence of the iliotibial band syndrome has also increased. Ligament to bone, or bone to tendon injuries • Runner’s knee. This produces a very specific and characteristic set of symptoms. • The pain is only around the kneecap • This pain first occurs while running
