Many runners who come to our clinic are looking for a quick fix for an injury that has been bothering them for months – and ideally without having to reduce their mileage! Our initial discussion at Pure Physio | Physiotherapy Agia Paraskevi | PANAGIOTIS ARSENIS usually involves trying to decipher what has changed in their training volume and which factors contributed to the development of pain and injury. We know that rehabilitation needs to be personalized, so deciphering the cause(s) of the injury and providing a good plan with precise education is vital.

At purephysio.gr in Athens, we rely on recent scientific analyses which indicate that perspectives on risk factors and protective factors for running-related injuries may differ between different age groups. This means that we may need to adjust our subjective assessment and the education of athletes accordingly. Panagiotis Arsenis, a certified sports physiotherapist with extensive experience in the rehabilitation of sports injuries in Athens, will present key findings from contemporary research regarding the risk factors for these running injuries.

Age Perceptions and Running Injuries

A recent study analyzed by our specialists examined the differences in perceptions regarding risk factors and protective factors for running-related injuries between adolescents and adults. The study found moderate to large differences in the perceptions of each population for over half of the factors presented. Some key differences included:

• Adolescents were more likely than adults to consider resistance training with few repetitions and heavy weights as a risk factor for running injuries.

• Adolescents were more likely than adults to consider static lower extremity stretching as a protective factor against running injuries.

• Adults were more likely than adolescents to consider long strides as a risk factor for running injuries.

• Adults were more likely than adolescents to consider low cadence as a risk factor for running injuries.

Understanding the factors that have led to the development of pain and injury is vital in designing treatment. We, as clinicians at Pure Physio | Physiotherapy Agia Paraskevi | PANAGIOTIS ARSENIS, must keep these age-related differences in mind to formulate a more personalized assessment for each athlete. Furthermore, this will guide the way we educate our patients to return to running and maintain their activity throughout their lives. For example, when attempting to incorporate strength training into an athlete's program, education for adolescents may include more information about the benefits of strength training for running, proper technique, and reassurance about the risk of injury, while discussions with adults may focus more on how to incorporate strength training into their busy lifestyle.

Risk Factors for Running Injuries

Risk factors for running injuries will differ slightly for different populations, and a lot of research is still being conducted in this area. Below is a summary of the current evidence for your information:

• An older systematic review found strong to moderate evidence that a history of previous injury, as well as the use of orthotic insoles/inserts, were factors associated with an increased risk of running injuries. The study found that factors that posed a greater risk for women than men included age, previous sports activity, running on cement, marathon participation, weekly running distance (48–63 km), and the use of athletic shoes for four to six months. Risk factors more relevant to men included a history of previous injuries, running experience of less than two years, restarting running, weekly running distance (32–46 km), or running more than 64 km per week. However, it is important to note that very few studies extrapolate risk factors between genders, so this information is limited.

• A more recent review found that there appears to be a higher overall prevalence of running injuries in women compared to men. Associated risk factors included running experience of less than five years, a previous injury in the last year, and running more than three times per week.

• Regarding biomechanics, research is ongoing. The available evidence is limited by various factors, including small sample sizes, as well as poor biomechanical measurement tools. For example, a recent systematic review concluded that there is insufficient high-quality evidence to suggest a relationship between foot strike technique and running injuries.

• Regarding consensus, the only undisputed, evidence-based risk factor for running injuries in adolescents is previous injury. When consensus is considered for all ages, it is interesting that footwear is not considered a risk factor, while low cadence is considered a risk factor for running injuries.

At purephysio.gr in Athens, Panagiotis Arsenis, as a certified sports physiotherapist with extensive experience in the rehabilitation of sports injuries, utilizes this data to provide the most accurate assessment and the most effective physiotherapy plan for runners.

Conclusions: Comprehensive Physiotherapy for Runners in Athens

Helping runners return to running, or (ideally) keeping them running, can be difficult. Runners are known for their determination to continue, and they usually only show up on our clinic's doorstep when they can no longer physically continue. This initial subjective assessment is often an 'interrogation,' trying to decipher what has changed – this discussion usually begins with the runner answering 'nothing,' which requires the physiotherapist to get to the root of the matter to decipher exactly what happened in their training program and their life in general. This is the first and most critical step in managing a runner, so understanding the research around the risk factors for running injuries, as well as the differences in perceptions among different populations, is useful for informing your practice.

For specialized physiotherapy for runners in Athens, injury prevention, and rehabilitation of sports injuries in Agia Paraskevi, contact the certified sports physiotherapist Panagiotis Arsenis at purephysio.gr. We are here to guide you with scientific accuracy, personalized care, and our proven experience, helping runners of every level enjoy their favorite sport safely and without pain.

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