Division of Sports Medicine

Runners often encounter joint, muscle, tendon and bone injuries, often due to overuse, accidents or biomechanics. Boston Children’s physicians have experience treating these conditions, establishing recovery plans and educating patients to prevent further injuries.

Common running injuries

• Muscle strains
• Stress fractures
• Medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
• Achilles and hamstring tendon problems
• Knee pain (patella tracking issues, ITB syndrome, etc.)
• Exertional compartment syndrome

Common deficits for runners

• Tight Achilles
• Tight hamstrings
• Tight iliotibial band (ITB)
• Weak abdominal muscles
• Weak gluteal muscles
• Improper gait (movement) with over-striding

Helpful injury prevention tips for runners

Whether you’re a casual runner or are training for a marathon, it’s important to know how to safely prevent injuries. Since each body is unique, these tips aren’t meant to take the place of professional assessment, but to offer general information on safety and prevention.

• Keep tabs on how well hydrated you are. Runners should lose around 2 percent of water weight from a long run, so weigh yourself (stripped down) before and after your run to monitor the change. If you’ve gained weight, you may be drinking too much water, which can be dangerous.
• Replenish your muscles with protein as soon as possible after a run. Chocolate milk can help replenish muscles with protein, carbohydrates and calcium after a high-endurance workout.
• Take time to fully recover.