Office evaluation and treatment of lower extremity injuries in the runner

Lower extremity problems in the runner are common and often perplexing. Although many problems such as acute tendinitis and mild sprains can be treated with short periods of rest and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, some will be chronic or recurrent in nature. These persistent problems can cause even a serious runner to reduce his activity greatly or even give up the sport entirely. Chronic recurring ailments should be examined carefully with a high suspicion of a biomechanical imbalance in the foot or lower extremity. With a basic understanding of the biomechanics of the foot and ankle and the stresses incurred during running, most of the problems can be managed conservatively.