What are the Main Running-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries?

Abstract

BackgroundMusculoskeletal injuries occur frequently in runners and despite many studies about running injuries conducted over the past decades it is not clear in the literature what are the main running-related musculoskeletal injuries (RRMIs).ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to systematically review studies on the incidence and prevalence of the main specific RRMIs.MethodsAn electronic database search was conducted using EMBASE (1947 to October 2011), MEDLINE (1966 to October 2011), SPORTDiscus™ (1975 to October 2011), the Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information (LILACS) [1982 to October 2011] and the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) [1998 to October 2011] with no limits of date or language of publication. Articles that described the incidence or prevalence rates of RRMIs were considered eligible. Studies that reported only the type of injury, anatomical region or incomplete data that precluded interpretation of the incidence or prevalence rates of RRMIs were excluded. We extracted data regarding bibliometric characteristics, study design, description of the population of runners, RRMI definition, how the data of RRMIs were collected and the name of each RRMI with their rates of incidence or prevalence. Separate analysis for ultra-marathoners was performed. Among 2924 potentially eligible titles, eight studies (pooled n = 3500 runners) were considered eligible for the review. In general, the articles had moderate risk of bias and only one fulfilled less than half of the quality criteria established.ResultsA total of 28 RRMIs were found and the main general RRMIs were medial tibial stress syndrome (incidence ranging from 13.6% to 20.0%; prevalence of 9.5%), Achilles tendinopathy (incidence ranging from 9.1% to 10.9%; prevalence ranging from 6.2% to 9.5%) and plantar fasciitis (incidence ranging from 4.5% to 10.0%; prevalence ranging from 5.2% to 17.5%). The main ultra-marathon RRMIs were Achilles tendinopathy (prevalence ranging from 2.0% to 18.5%) and patellofemoral syndrome (prevalence ranging from 7.4% to 15.6%).ConclusionThis systematic review provides evidence that medial tibia stress syndrome, Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis were the main general RRMIs, while Achilles tendinopathy and patellofemoral syndrome were the most common RRMIs for runners who participated in ultra-marathon races.Electronic Supplementary MaterialSupplementary material is available for this article at 10.1007/BF03262301 and is accessible for authorized users.

No immediate effects of highly cushioned shoes on basic running biomechanics

“…There are various intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may contribute to the risks of developing running-related injuries, such as history of previous injuries, training errors, improper biomechanics, environmental factors, and footwear (Fredericson & Misra, 2007;Lopes, Hespanhol Junior, Yeung, & Costa, 2012;Van Gent, et al, 2007;Wen, 2007). The amount, frequency, and timing of impact forces are considered as the major contributing factors in injury (Chambon, Delattre, Gueguen, Berton, & Rao, 2014;Clarke, Frederick, & Cooper, 1983).…”

Association Between Plantar Fascia Vascularity and Morphology and Foot Dysfunction in Individuals With Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

“…It affects both active and sedentary adults, with a peak incidence in those between 40 and 60 years of age. 8,20 Impaired vascularity with subsequent metabolic disturbance has been proposed as one of its causes.11,31 A moderate to marked increase in vascularity in the proximal plantar fascia has been observed in patients with plantar fasciitis. 7,31 This increase is typical in those who have had plantar fasciitis for less than 12 months, and has been associated with greater intensity of pain.…”

“…It affects both active and sedentary adults, with a peak incidence in those between 40 and 60 years of age. 8,20 Impaired vascularity with subsequent metabolic disturbance has been proposed as one of its causes.…”

Evaluation and Treatment of Injury and Illness in the Ultramarathon Athlete

“…3,[11][12][13] Reported musculoskeletal injury incidence varies depending on the methodology of the study. Musculoskeletal injury rates range from 2% to 18% in continuous single-stage ultramarathons 14 and 19% to 22% in multistage, multiday ultramarathons. 4,15 In multistage, multiday ultramarathons, musculoskeletal injuries accounted for 18% of the minor encounters (able to continue racing) and 22% of the major injury encounters (unable to continue racing) and are most likely to occur during stages 3 or 4 of a 7-stage race, highlighting the potential cumulative effect on the musculoskeletal system of running long distances.…”

“…4,5,14,16 Evaluation and treatment of these injuries may differ in an acute setting during or immediately after a race compared with the subacute or chronic setting in a standard medical clinic setting. For the purposes of this article, the focus is the acute race or outpatient setting:…”