Foot injuries in runners

Curr Sports Med Rep. 2011 Sep-Oct;10(5):249-54. doi: 10.1249/JSR.0b013e31822d3ea4.

Abstract

Injuries of the foot are common among both elite and recreational runners. Overuse accounts for most of these injuries. Plantar fasciitis and tendinopathies of the midfoot and forefoot have a high incidence in running athletes. These injuries may present with significant pain but often resolve with rest and rehabilitation. Bone injuries caused by overuse also have a high prevalence among runners. The metatarsals, tarsal navicular, and sesamoids are most at risk for stress damage. Most running injuries are self-limited and pose little detriment if diagnosis is delayed. Navicular and sesamoid stress fractures may impart significant long-term consequences, and thus, a clinical suspicion of either fracture warrants definitive diagnosis and treatment. Barefoot running recently has garnered increased attention, but currently, there is a lack of prospective studies regarding its injury reduction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / etiology
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / therapy
  • Fasciitis, Plantar / diagnosis
  • Fasciitis, Plantar / etiology
  • Fasciitis, Plantar / therapy
  • Foot Injuries / diagnosis
  • Foot Injuries / etiology*
  • Foot Injuries / therapy
  • Fractures, Stress / diagnosis
  • Fractures, Stress / etiology
  • Fractures, Stress / therapy
  • Humans
  • Running / injuries*
  • Tendinopathy / diagnosis
  • Tendinopathy / etiology
  • Tendinopathy / therapy