An overuse injury is an injury that does not result from a single incident of trauma but is instead caused by repeated stress to an area. Runners are typically vulnerable since running cause a large amount of shock through the legs in a repeated fashion.

Achilles tendinitis is an acute inflammation of the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is located on the back of the ankle and attaches the muscles of the calf to the heel bone. This type of injury is usually precipitated by overuse and can be slow to heal as the tendon does not receive much blood flow. Achilles tendinitis is common in runners.

Patellofemoral pain (Runners Knee): Runner’s knee is the most diagnosed condition in sports medicine clinics. It presents as a burning pain between the knee cap and the thigh bone. This painful condition is predominantly caused by overuse but can be caused or exacerbated by unnatural mechanics. Runners who are prone to Runner’s Knee should have their gait analyzed by a professional to determine if correcting gait problems could alleviate pain.

ITBS is a common injury that normally affects runners and cyclists but is also seen in weightlifters. ITBS is one of the most common lateral pain injuries in runners. The Iliotibial band runs from the hip to below the knee and pain from ITBS can present itself anywhere along the band. This condition can be worsened by mechanical instability and may be alleviated by a motion control or similarly balanced shoe.

Shin splints is a medical term describing medial tibial stress syndrome. It has many causes including tendinitis and stress fractures. Shin splints in an athlete is generally indicative of a shin that is absorbing too much shock. Runners experiencing shin splints should try a more shock absorbing shoe and possibly an insole to counteract the shock of running.

Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of a thick fibrous tissue in the foot called the plantar fascia. Pain from plantar fasciitis is usually centered under the heel and is often worse in the beginning of the day. Plantar fasciitis can lead to some conditions that will cause more than discomfort. These can include degeneration of the plantar fascia, cadll plantar fasciosis as well as many painful conditions of the knee.

Runners put enormous strain on the muscles of the lower back which can cause a great deal of pain. Many runners find a shoe with more cushion or a cushioned custom insole to have a positive effect on the pain in their back. While the right footwear will help the best method for both treatment and prevention of back pain is strengthening the muscles of the back with exercises like straight back wall squats, crunches, and bridging.