Patterns of lower-extremity injury in 224 runners.

Knee problems are the most common injury sustained in both male and female runners. Other problems include toe and forefoot injuries, inferior heel and arch pain, shin splints, ankle pain, calf and Achilles tendon pain, groin and hip pain, and stress fractures. The average total treatment for all injuries required 4.2 physician visits. Orthotics were used for more than 60% of the injuries, with successful results. A thorough understanding of running injuries should assist the physician in the treatment of these problems.