BONE STRESS INJURIES IN RUNNERS - A HOLISTIC APPROACH

Alicja Toczyłowska; Mateusz Muras; Władysław Hryniuk; Julia Kwiecińska; Jacek Sitkiewicz; Łukasz Bialic; Lidia Mądrzak; Marta Korchowiec; Wiktor Chrzanowski; Katarzyna Krzyżanowska

doi:10.31435/ijitss.3(47).2025.3471

Alicja Toczyłowska University Clinical Hospital in Opole, aleja Wincentego Witosa 26, 46-020 Opole, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3155-0573
Mateusz Muras University Clinical Hospital in Opole, aleja Wincentego Witosa 26, 46-020 Opole, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4536-6006
Władysław Hryniuk University Clinical Hospital in Opole, aleja Wincentego Witosa 26, 46-020 Opole, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8653-468X
Julia Kwiecińska University Clinical Hospital in Opole, aleja Wincentego Witosa 26, 46-020 Opole, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0924-6063
Jacek Sitkiewicz Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze, Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie 9, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0889-0652
Łukasz Bialic Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4837-5920
Lidia Mądrzak Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9516-911X
Marta Korchowiec Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3365-4728
Wiktor Chrzanowski Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0820-1452
Katarzyna Krzyżanowska Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3306-0804

DOI: https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(47).2025.3471

Keywords: Bone Stress Injuries, Stress Fractures, Runners, Risk Factors, Pathophysiology, Prevention

Abstract

Objective: Bone stress injuries (BSIs), ranging from periosteal edema to stress fractures, are highly prevalent in runners due to repetitive loading exceeding bone adaptation capacity. Delayed diagnosis prolongs recovery. This review synthesizes current knowledge on BSI pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis, management, and prevention in runners, highlighting the complexity of the problem.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using publicly available sources accessed via PubMed and Scopus.

Key Findings: BSIs arise from an imbalance between microdamage accumulation and repair, influenced by biological and biomechanical factors. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the diagnostic gold standard, recommended after initial plain radiography. Management prioritizes conservative measures; surgery is reserved for high-risk fractures (e.g., prone to nonunion) or conservative failure. Prevention strategies include individualized training programs, nutritional optimization, and preparticipation screening.

Conclusions: Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach—focusing on risk factor identification, timely intervention, treatment, and prevention—are crucial for reducing BSI incidence and accelerating recovery in runners. Further research is needed to validate novel treatments and standardize risk factor detection systems for injury prevention.

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BONE STRESS INJURIES IN RUNNERS - A HOLISTIC APPROACH

Abstract

References

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