While very few runners have perfectly efficient running form, there are certain biomechanical abnormalities that are severe enough to cause injury. Professional analysis of one’s running stride and gait can identify such abnormalities, and a targeted physical therapy program can help correct them.
A wide variety of injuries and conditions fall under the general umbrella of running injuries, which the majority of such injuries occurring as a result of training errors that runners can learn to identify, prevent, and avoid on their own.
Also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, runner’s knee is a condition characterized by pain underneath, slightly above, or below the kneecap. As the name suggests, it is particularly common among runners, and often results from mobility issues in the hips or low back.
The sacrum is the lowest portion of the spine, which extends into the tailbone. There are many muscles in this region of the body, and strains or tears to any of them may lead to sacral pain. This type of pain typically occurs in the low back or buttocks.
Scapulohumeral dysfunction occurs when the normal patterns of motion within the shoulder-scapula joint become irregular, leading to impingement, swelling, or tears. Specifically, lack of stability in the shoulder blade (scapula) leads to abnormal tipping and rotation. This condition is characterized by shoulder pain, instability, and clicking.
Sciatica is a painful nerve condition in which one or more of the five spinal nerve roots of a sciatic nerve become compressed, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back as well as parts of the legs and feet. Usually, pain is only present on one side.
Common among children and adolescents, scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine. Whereas a normal spine forms a straight line down the length of the back, the spines of people affected by scoliosis curve to the side.
A separated shoulder actually is not an injury to the shoulder joint, but to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, where the collarbone connects to the highest point of the shoulder blade. Shoulder separation typically results from a direct impact to the shoulder.
Also known as calcaneal apophysitis, Sever’s disease is characterized by pain and inflammation in the heel’s growth plate. This condition is most common among children aged 8 to 14 years old because the heel bone does not finish developing until at least age 14.
Also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, shin splints are a common problem among athletes and fitness enthusiasts—especially runners. The main symptom of this issue is pain along the inner edge of the shin bone, usually occurring as a result of repetitive activity or a large jump in training volume.