The Runner’s Rehab Plan: Avoiding Hip, Knee & Shin Injuries
Did you know that up to 70% of recreational and competitive runners get injured every year—and the most common problem spots are the hips, knees, and shins? (van Gent et al., 2007, British Journal of Sports Medicine ). For many, it starts as a dull ache in the hip, a twinge around the kneecap, or an ache along the shinbone. Ignore it, and what could have been a minor issue can easily turn into months off the road. The truth is: most running injuries are not random. They’re predictable, preventable, and often the result of muscle imbalances, poor mechanics, or training overload. By practicing rehab before you need it—prehab—you can bulletproof your hips, knees, and shins and enjoy running for the long term. The good news? With evidence-based prevention and smart movement habits, you can run stronger, longer, and pain-free. Why Do Runners Get Hurt? Running is repetitive: thousands of steps with the same movement pattern. When tissues can’t keep up with the stress, pain develops....