A survey of running injuries in 1505 competitive and recreational runners.

A 33 item multiple choice questionnaire was circulated; completed questionnaires from 1505 runners (1130 male and 375 female) were obtained. Questions focused upon training, injuries sustained, and medical care. Biomechanical imbalances such as leg length inequality appear to be a major contributing factor to running injuries. Correction of an underlying biomechanical defect may be important in the treatment of many running injuries. Female runners were found to be more susceptible than males to stress fractures at higher mileages. The cause of this increased incidence may be attributable to lower bone mineral density levels as a result of hormonal factors. Factors such as running surface, age and stretching techniques do not appear to play a significant part in the pathogenesis of running injuries.