Runners are particularly vulnerable to certain foot conditions and injuries, most of which may be attributable to the way their feet land.

Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the bottom of the foot and is characterized by a tight, sharp pain at the base of the heel. It is caused by overuse and poor footwear and can be eased by stretching the calves, rolling your feet on a golf ball, and icing the affected area.

Achilles Tendinitis, an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, is closely related to Plantar Fasciitis and manifests itself as pain in the back of the lower leg, just above the heel bone. Icing and stretching will help to alleviate the problem.

IT Band Syndrome has been referred to as the sensation of being stabbed in the side of the knee when you run. The iliotibial (IT) band is a tendon connecting the knee to the hip and can become inflamed because of several factors, including the stress on the knee caused by running downhill. The condition can be eased by massaging the quadriceps and hamstring muscles around the area.

Pain in the lower back can often afflict runners because of repetitive stress and impact. New York-based spine surgeon Sean E. McCance says this type of muscle strain is best treated by self-care techniques, including resting for a couple of days, gentle stretching and applying ice-packs.

Runner’s Knee (patellofemoral knee syndrome) produces an ache just below the kneecap, and in many cases is attributable to the inability of the tissues surrounding the knee to recover between runs. You may need to stop running for a while or switch the type of surface you run on. 

Snapping hip syndrome is a condition in which a snapping sensation is felt in the hip, and it can be relieved by applying ice and cutting down on activity.