Running injuries

Achilles tendinopathy

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon causing pain and stiffness at the heel, the most common injury in runners.

Tibialis posterior tendinopathy

Pain on the inner side of the ankle caused by irritation of the tendon that stabilises the arch of the foot.

Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)

Inflammation of the membrane covering the tibia caused by repeated impacts, affecting 13 to 17% of runners.

Iliotibial band syndrome

Irritation of the iliotibial band on the outer side of the knee, very common in runners.

Plantar fasciopathy

Heel pain caused by irritation of the plantar fascia, very common in runners.

Morton’s neuroma

Compression of an interdigital nerve in the forefoot, causing pain and numbness.

Compression of the ankle joint tissues during extreme movements.

Compartment syndrome

Increased muscle pressure during exercise that can compromise blood flow and nerve function.

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome

A rare but serious vascular compression of the popliteal artery that causes exercise-induced pain.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome

Anterior knee pain caused by poor patellar tracking, accounting for 25 to 40% of knee injuries in runners.

Tibialis anterior tendinopathy

Pain at the front of the ankle caused by the tendon of the muscle that lifts the foot.

Gluteus medius tendinopathy

Pain on the outside of the hip caused by irritation of the gluteus medius tendon.

Sesamoid stress fracture

Progressive cracking of a bone in the foot caused by repeated impacts.

Peroneal (fibularis) tendinopathy

Irritation of the lateral stabilising tendons of the ankle.

Femoroacetabular impingement

Abnormal contact between the femoral head and the pelvis, causing groin pain.

Anterolateral TFL impingement

Anterior hip irritation associated with overload of the tensor fasciae latae.

Anterior iliopsoas impingement

Irritation of the iliopsoas tendon causing groin pain and a snapping sensation.

A tear or wear of the hip joint's labrum, causing deep pain.

Osteoarthritis of the knee characterised by progressive wear of the cartilage.

Patellar tendinopathy

Overuse tendinopathy of the patellar tendon causing pain below the kneecap, common in runners and jumping athletes.

Meniscal injury in runners

Damage to the knee meniscus through a tear or progressive degeneration, common in runners over 35.

Hamstring tendinopathy

Inflammation of the hamstring tendon at its insertion on the ischium, causing characteristic pain beneath the buttock.

Quadriceps tendinopathy

Inflammation of the quadriceps tendon above the kneecap, a common overuse injury when training is increased too quickly.

Tibial stress fracture

A tibial micro-fracture caused by repeated stress, requiring a mandatory break from running to allow the bone to heal.

Damage to the fibrous plate that stabilises the toes, causing pain under the forefoot and a feeling of walking on a pebble.

Ankle sprain

Injury to the ankle ligaments caused by twisting the foot; the most common macrotraumatic injury in runners and athletes.

Sinus tarsi syndrome

Inflammation of the anatomical cavity between the talus and the calcaneus, often following a poorly rehabilitated ankle sprain.

Abdominal pain in runners

Common abdominal pain during running (side stitch, cramps) related to diet, hydration or mechanical stress.

A medical emergency in which body temperature exceeds 40°C, with failure of thermoregulation during exercise in hot conditions.

Sudden cardiac arrest during exercise due to an underlying heart condition — rare, but calling for preventive medical follow-up.

Excessive dilution of blood sodium caused by overhydration during long races, which can lead to serious neurological problems.

Exercise-induced haematuria

Temporary presence of blood in the urine after intense exercise, usually benign and linked to bladder microtrauma.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux in runners

Acid reflux promoted by running impacts and pre-exercise eating, causing heartburn and regurgitation.

Runner’s diarrhoea

Accelerated intestinal transit during running related to mechanical impacts, diet and competition stress.

Benign, transient swelling of the fingers and feet during long runs, linked to blood redistribution and heat.

Inflammation of the tendons that insert on the inner side of the tibia (sartorius, gracilis, semitendinosus), causing pain on the inner side of the knee.

Low back pain in runners

Mechanical low back pain linked to running impacts, promoted by a lack of core strength and an unsuitable technique.

Irritation of the adductor muscle tendons on the inner side of the thigh, causing groin pain in runners.

Acute muscle tear of the calf (medial gastrocnemius), occurring suddenly during exertion in runners.

Osteoarthritis of the big toe that progressively limits the mobility of the metatarsophalangeal joint, causing pain during push-off in runners.

Inflammation of the bursa between the Achilles tendon and the calcaneus, causing pain at the back of the heel in runners.

An imbalance between training load and recovery, causing persistent fatigue, reduced performance and an increased risk of injury in runners.

Fluid-filled pockets under the skin caused by friction, heat and moisture, common in running, trail running and marathons.