What injury is commonly associated with overuse in runners?

Achilles tendinitis is indeed a common injury associated with overuse in runners. This condition arises from repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. In runners, the repetitive motion and increased strain on this tendon, particularly during activities involving running and jumping, can lead to microtears and inflammation. Key factors contributing to Achilles tendinitis include improper footwear, running on hard surfaces, sudden increases in training intensity or volume, and ineffective stretching or strengthening of the calf muscles.

By contrast, injuries such as shin splints, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis are also prevalent among runners but may have different underlying mechanisms or risk factors. Shin splints often involve pain along the shin bone and can arise from various combined factors including running on hard surfaces and incorrect footwear. Stress fractures occur due to excessive force and are typically characterized by localized pain; they often require a different approach to healing. Plantar fasciitis can arise from excessive strain on the plantar fascia ligament and is often tied to factors like foot biomechanics. While all these injuries are related to overuse, Achilles tendinitis specifically highlights the impact of repetitive loading on the tendon, making it a classic overuse injury in this population.