Typical runner's injuries

Runner's knee (ITB syndrome)

Iliotibial band syndrome — pain on the lateral aspect of the knee. Worsens on downhill and long distances. Linked to weak gluteals and excessive pronation.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome

Pain under the kneecap, worse on stair descent and prolonged sitting. Linked to patellar tracking issues and quadriceps weakness.

Achilles tendinopathy

Tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon. Pain and thickening 2–6 cm from the heel. Morning stiffness. A common cause of runners leaving sport — most return with MIBRAR®.

Plantar fasciitis

Pain under the heel with the first morning steps. A typical companion of marathoners and amateur runners with excess pronation. → More

Stress fractures

Tibia, metatarsals, femur. A fatigue injury from excessive load. Diagnosis only by MRI; X-ray is normal in the first 2–3 weeks.

Patellar tendinopathy

"Jumper's knee." Pain below the kneecap. Typical for runners doing downhill and intervals.

Runner's knee

ITB syndrome

Pain on the lateral knee. Provoked by long runs and downhill. MIBRAR® — ultrasound-guided CGF/PRP into the point of maximum tenderness + run-form correction (cadence, gluteal strength).

Patellofemoral syndrome

Pain under the kneecap. Chondromalacia. Intra-articular PRP + Hoffa block under ultrasound. Rehab — VMO training, foot-pronation correction.

Patellar tendinopathy

Pain below the kneecap. CGF into the tendon degeneration zone + Alfredson eccentric protocol. Return to running — 4–8 weeks.

Achilles and foot

Achilles tendinopathy

CGF or PRP under ultrasound into the degeneration zone. 2–3 sessions. Combined with eccentric exercises. Return to running — 6–8 weeks.

Plantar fasciitis

Ultrasound-guided injection into the maximum thickening zone of the aponeurosis. 2–3 sessions. Important — orthotic insoles, calf stretching, gradual return to load.

Peroneal / posterior tibial tendinitis

Common cause of lateral / medial leg pain in runners with pronation/supination issues. Ultrasound-guided CGF + footwear and form correction.

Stress fractures — a special case

When to suspect

Pinpoint bone pain, worse at night and rest. Lasting more than 2 weeks. Often after sudden volume increase, surface or shoe change. Risk factors — low energy availability (RED-S), vitamin D deficiency, menstrual disorders in women.

Diagnosis

MRI — method of choice. X-ray often normal in the first 2–3 weeks. CT — to clarify fracture line. Mandatory — exclusion of systemic causes (hormones, vitamin D, calcium).

Treatment

Key — offload for 4–8 weeks (cross-training: swimming, cycling). MIBRAR® (BMAC or PRP) speeds bone regeneration. Return to running only after MRI follow-up.

Return to running — protocol

Simply "no longer hurts" is not yet a reason to return to full load. The right return is staged with verification at each step.

Stage 1 — pain control

MIBRAR® procedure, orthopedic offload (if needed), NO NSAIDs. Paracetamol, ice, compression.

Stage 2 — cross-training

Swimming, cycling, elliptical — maintain cardio base without impact. 2–4 weeks.

Stage 3 — walking and trial running

Brisk pain-free walking for 30 minutes — signal to try 1–2 minutes of running. Walk/run protocol for 1–2 weeks.

Stage 4 — volume restoration

Increase weekly mileage by no more than 10% per week (the 10% rule). No intervals for the first 2–4 weeks.

Stage 5 — intervals and racing

Gradual addition of tempo and interval work. First race — 6–12 weeks from return start, depending on distance.

Stage 6 — prevention

Strength & Conditioning twice a week. Regular shoe inspection (replace every 600–800 km). Listen to body signals — "a little tweak" often heralds a major injury.

2–4 moBack to running
6–12 wkFirst race
×1.5–2Rehab acceleration
80%+Return to prior volumes

Don't lose the season

Send complaints and MRI — get a return-to-running plan with precise timing.

Sports doctor consultation

Frequently asked questions

What is 'runner's knee'?

ITB syndrome (lateral) or patellofemoral syndrome (under kneecap). MIBRAR® + technique correction.

Can I run a marathon after MIBRAR®?

Yes. Most return to competitive distances within 2–4 months.

Does MIBRAR® help with stress fractures?

Speeds bone regeneration. Doesn't replace orthopedic offload.

Tendinitis vs stress fracture?

By MRI. Tendinitis — pain in tendon; fracture — pinpoint bone pain, marrow edema.

Should I quit running?

Usually no. Temporary offload (2–6 wk) + cause treatment + graded return.