The 5 Most Common Running Injuries

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon returns to Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, Arizona, on January 18th and 19th. With five courses and a weekend full of events, there’s something for everyone. While there are many health benefits associated with running, the activity can also lead to various injuries. In this blog, the health experts at Valley Pain Centers discuss the most common injuries and conditions associated with running.

Five common running injuries

1. Runner’s knee 

While symptoms of this injury are usually described as pain at the front of the knee, it usually stems from hip or foot weakness. This injury is often found in novice long-distance runners.

2. Pulled hamstring

Excessive tightness at the back of the thigh can indicate heavy loads on the hamstring muscle, which may stem from running too fast or due to fatigue.

3. Shin splints

Recognizable as intense, sharp pain on the front of the shin, this condition often affects new runners or those who run in shoes with inadequate support.

4. Piriformis syndrome 

In certain cases, running can cause muscle spasms in the piriformis muscles, which are located in the buttocks. This can result in burning pain.

5. Stress fractures 

Stress fractures most often occur due to repetitive activity or overuse.

Five areas of the body most affected by running

Because of the interlocking body mechanics that experience stress when you run, there are five major areas that can be sources of chronic pain. In running, the lower body can take a beating. These areas include:

• Feet
• Ankles
• Knees
• Hips
• Back

Five common conditions that can arise from running

While runners can suffer a number of acute injuries, they can also get a number of chronic conditions, such as the following:

1. Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. This condition is due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that stretches along the bottom of your foot.

2. Achilles tendonitis 

This condition results from overuse and inflammation of the Achilles tendon.

3. Knee and hip bursitis 

Inflammation of the fluid-filled bursa sacs in the hip and knee joints can cause pain and reduce mobility.

4. Iliotibial band inflammation 

The iliotibial band is a band of tissue that runs along the outside of your hip, thigh, and knee. If it gets too tight, it can lead to swelling and pain.

5. Sacroiliitis

This condition results from inflammation of the joints where your spine and pelvis connect.

Treating injuries and conditions

Injuries and conditions related to running are often caused by inflammation. Valley Pain Centers offers both traditional and cutting-edge treatments that can reduce chronic inflammation and get you ready for your next running event.

Corticosteroid injections have been used for decades to reduce tissue inflammation. Regenerative medicine techniques, such as stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma therapy, are helping heal the injuries of a growing number of people. No matter your case, the health specialists at Valley Pain Centers can give you a thorough examination and get you on the path to wellness.

At Valley Pain Centers, with three convenient Arizona locations in Phoenix, Peoria, and Scottsdale, you are never just a number. Your consultation, examination, and treatment are always administered by a highly qualified physician. When it comes to running injuries, we have several experienced physicians who can help you, including Toure Knighton, MD, Dinesh Chinthagada, MD, Jin Yuk, MD, David Kush, MD, and Patricia Henthorn DC. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone today.