The most common running injuries can happen in different parts of the body and are widely different for each runner. Many Americans choose running as their primary way of cardio exercise. While it is considered one of the best ways to exercise, many people have become injured by it. Around 36 million people run every year and of that, up to 50% of them experience at least one running injury.

Here are a list of the most common running injuries and their causes and symptoms.

Lower Leg and Foot

• Plantar Fasciitis: This is casued by inflammation of the ligament along the bottom of the foot and heels. The primary symptom is a sharp, excruciatiating pain in the bottom of the heel.
• Achilles Tendonitis: This is caused by chronic overuse of the ankle and symptoms can include pain along the back of the ankle.
• Calf Muscle Pull: This specific injury is due to the calf muscle tearing away from the achilles tendon. The usual symptom is a pain in the calf and you may hear a "pop" when it happens.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: This syndrome is also know as "runner's knee". The exact cause of this pain is unknown and the symptoms include are pain around the knee cap.

Upper Leg, Thigh, and Lower Back

• Hamstring Strain: This injury is caused by improper warm up and symptoms include a sudden, sharp pain in the back of your thigh
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome: This syndrome is caused by friction from your thighs and symptoms include a pain inside of the hip and knee.
• Groin Pull: Groin pulls are casued by overextension to the inner thighs of your muscles. The symptoms of this injury are known to feel similar to a hernia.
• Piriformis Syndrome: This injury is due to the tightening of the piriformis muscle in the lower back. The symptoms for this injury include a pain radiating down the back of the legs.
• Spinal Compression: Spinal compression happens when the force of running compresses the vertebrae. The symptoms included temporary height loss which can end up being permanent.

How To Avoid Injury & When to See a Doctor

There are various things that you can do to avoid injury while running. These things include: warming up before exercising, stretching before and after running, shortening your running stride, and getting enough nutrients in your diet. If these running injuries do still occur, it is important to know when to go to the doctor. Severe symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, or numbed and the injury site along with the inability to put weight on the injured area should prompt you to immediately check with your physician. When exercising, remember that your post work out treatment plays an important part in how your body heals. Using various post workout treatments items such as muscle massagers and shoes or flip flops that help treat pain can drastically reduce your body and foot pain.