Running on the Edge: Radiologic Insights into Lower Extremity Injuries in Amateur Runners

Purpose or Learning Objective: Amateur runners frequently experience overuse injuries due to improper training, inadequate footwear, or biomechanical imbalances. Multimodal imaging, including radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and ultrasound, plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing these injuries. A thorough understanding of common injury patterns and their imaging characteristics is essential for accurate assessment and appropriate treatment.

Methods or Background: This exhibit (1) identifies common lower extremity injuries in amateur runners; (2) explores key imaging findings across radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and ultrasound; (3) recognizes imaging pitfalls and differential diagnoses; and (4) correlates radiologic findings with clinical management strategies.

Results or Findings:

Common injury patterns:

a. Stress fractures and bone stress injuries

b. Tendinopathies and enthesopathies

c. Ligamentous and joint injuries

d. Other overuse-related conditions

Radiologic findings and case-based review:

a. Multimodal imaging approach

b. Representative cases with imaging correlations

c. Key diagnostic challenges and differential diagnoses

Conclusion: Understanding characteristic imaging features, recognizing pitfalls, and correlating findings with clinical presentation are essential for optimizing patient care.

Publication History

Article published online:
02 June 2025