Running has become a popular pastime in the UK over the last 30 years with the evolution of large city marathons, as well as charity and fun runs making endurance exercise a realistic and achievable target. This has led to the phenomenon whereby inexperienced runners may undertake physical activity that they are not fully prepared for, resulting in increased morbidity. Musculoskeletal problems form up to 15–20% of all general practice consultations with a significant proportion attributable to running. The scope of this article is to highlight common lower limb musculoskeletal injuries and running-related illnesses, focusing on basic diagnostic and management strategies within primary care.
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