Foot Injuries in Runners

Injuries of the foot are common among both elite and recreational runners. Overuse accounts for most of these injuries. Plantar fasciitis and tendinopathies of the midfoot and forefoot have a high incidence in running athletes. These injuries may present with significant pain but often resolve with rest and rehabilitation. Bone injuries caused by overuse also have a high prevalence among runners. The metatarsals, tarsal navicular, and sesamoids are most at risk for stress damage. Most running injuries are self-limited and pose little detriment if diagnosis is delayed. Navicular and sesamoid stress fractures may impart significant long-term consequences, and thus, a clinical suspicion of either fracture warrants definitive diagnosis and treatment. Barefoot running recently has garnered increased attention, but currently, there is a lack of prospective studies regarding its injury reduction.