Running injuries

Running injuries (or running-related injuries, RRI) affect about half of runners annually. The frequencies of various RRI depend on the type of running, such as speed and mileage. Some injuries are acute, caused by sudden overstress, such as side stitch, strains, and sprains. Many of the common injuries that affect runners are chronic, developing over longer periods as the result of overuse. Common overuse injuries include shin splints, stress fractures, Achilles tendinitis, Iliotibial band syndrome, Patellofemoral pain (runner's knee), and plantar fasciitis.

Proper running form is important in injury prevention. A major aspect of running form is foot strike pattern. The way in which the foot makes contact with the ground determines how the force of the impact is distributed throughout the body. Different types of modern running shoes are created to adjust the foot strike pattern in an effort to reduce the risk of injury. In recent years, barefoot running has increased in popularity in many Western countries, because of claims that it reduces the risk of injury. However, this has not been proven and is still debated.^{[citation needed]}