Epidemiology of Lower-extremity Musculoskeletal Injuries in Runners: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

Purpose of Review This overview of systematic reviews aimed to summarize the current published systematic reviews investigating the prevalence, incidence, types, and locations of lower-extremity running-related musculoskeletal injuries. Recent Findings Studies have addressed the prevalence and incidence of running-related musculoskeletal injuries in different countries and different types of runners. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no overview of systematic reviews on the epidemiology of lower-extremity injuries in runners. Summary The overall incidence of running-related musculoskeletal injuries ranged from 0.9% to 99%, and the prevalence ranged from 36% to 63.5%. Injuries were most commonly reported at or below the knee. The most common anatomical sites were the knee, followed by the ankle-foot, calf, and upper leg (hamstring, thigh, and quadriceps). The most common types of injuries were plantar fasciitis, medial stress syndrome, patellofemoral pain syndrome, Achilles tendinopathy, sprains, contractures, and ligament injuries.