Adolescent running injuries.

Nineteen teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 years who had been running an average of 23.8 miles a week were attended for 25 musculoskeletal injuries. Diagnoses were similar to those seen in adults. Over 70% of the injuries involved the knee or leg. Girls had more leg injuries. All stress fractures occurred in the females despite their having less than one-half the weekly mileage of the boys (12 vs. 32 miles). Knee injuries were more common in boys. Over two-thirds of the injuries resulted from a training error. Methods for evaluation, treatment, and prevention of adolescent running injuries are discussed.