Lower extremity injuries in runners. Helping athletic patients return to form

Running injuries are primarily musculoskeletal, usually the result of a change in training regimen or technique. A sudden increase in mileage is the most common cause. Athletes who run more than 40 miles a week have an increased risk of injury. Most injuries affect the knee, but the shin, ankle, and foot are also common sites. The RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is useful in most cases, although more aggressive treatment, including surgery, is sometimes indicated. Primary care physicians should be familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of common running injuries and be aware of conditions requiring referral.