This is an archive copy of a document originally located at http://www.sport.vic.gov.au/web/srv/srvsite.nsf/pages/research_injury_running?OpenDocument  all copyright remains with creator.

See other sports injury prevention fact sheets.

• Running injuries can effect anyone who participates, regardless of their age or gender.
• A recreational runner who steadily trains and occasionally participates in a long distance run has a 37%-56% chance of sustaining a injury.
• A population survey estimated an injury incidence of 3.6 injuries per 1000 hours of running.

• Overuse injuries are the most common type of injury associated with running.
• Running injuries are associated with inadequate warm-ups, training errors, incorrect running style, poor footwear and poor environmental conditions.
• Approximately 75% of running injuries happen from the knee downwards.
• Knees are the most common body part injured accounting for 25% of running injuries. Other commonly injured body parts include the feet, ankles, lower leg and shin, upper leg, back and hip/pelvis/groin.

• Running injuries can lead to a reduction in training or full cessation of training.
• Many injuries result in medical consultation and up to 5% result in absence from work.
• 20%-70% of injuries are likely to reoccur at a later stage.

• Recreational runners should not run too far a distance per week. If fitness is your overall goal, intersperse running with other activities, such as cycling or swimming.
• Build up running speeds and distances gradually.
• Follow an individual training program prepared by a qualified coach.

• Choose shoes carefully, preferably with professional advice.
• Runners with potential biomechanical abnormalities (eg. leg length discrepancies) should have these assessed and treated by a professional who can recommend corrective actions.

• Ensure you drink adequate water.
• Use a broad spectrum sunscreen and wear a hat and/or sunglasses on sunny days.
• Avoid running in extreme temperatures.
• Avoid slippery surfaces as can occur during wet or cold weather.
• Avoid running on soft sand, cement or other hard surfaces.
• Ensure that running tracks are regularly checked for hazards such as potholes, loose debris, rubbish etc., and properly maintained.

• A running injury should receive prompt first aid treatment.
• Injured runners should allow adequate time to regain their strength and range of movement before recommencing running.
• When restarting running after and injury, it is important that runners build up to the previous distance or pace slowly.