Rising Knee Injuries Among Young Runners
Knee injuries among young people are increasing, according to physiotherapists who have raised concerns about the impact of social media ‘runfluencers’ promoting generic training programs. These programs often push beginners too hard, leading to a rise in running-related injuries.
Kurt Johnson, director of physiotherapy company One Body LDN, reported that running injuries have increased by 100% over the last five years. The most common issues include knee problems such as ‘runners knee’, iliotibial band syndrome, patellofemoral pain, and various tendinopathies. Other rising injuries include shin splints, ankle sprains, Achilles tendon problems, hip pain, and lower back pain.
The London Marathon saw a record 1.1 million applications this year, with the number of runners in their 20s more than doubling compared to last year. This trend coincides with a surge in ‘TikTok runfluencers’ who sell training courses and promote aspirational lifestyles. Some of these influencers encourage running streaks or even suggest continuing to run while injured.
This approach fails to consider individual fitness levels or types of injury, which can worsen existing conditions. Mr. Johnson noted that young people are influenced by the videos and clips these influencers post online, aiming to look cool, different, or healthy. However, they often underestimate the physical toll of running.
Mr. Johnson told The Times: “The ego can overrun doing the boring basics, starting off slow, etc.” He criticized some of the courses as ‘terrible’ and described them as ‘a money grab or grift’ that ends in injury. He called for better education around the issue and warned runners not to trust everything they see online.
Some influencers have even encouraged viewers to run through pain and injury, which could worsen damage that requires rest. For example, a TikTokker named @thebigboyrunner shared a video where he said: “Why am I still running even though I have an injury? Does it hurt? Yeah. What keeps me going is knowing I can push myself beyond the pain. Pushing through hard times. And that’s why I run, to prove to myself I can. And nobody can tell me to stop running, except for me. And that’s why I’ve been running for 948 days straight, no matter what.”
Another running influencer, Sebastian Ziekman, posted a video of himself sprinting at the end of a race with the caption “Pain is temporary, results are forever” and added “Just push through the pain bro.”
Mr. Johnson warned that even beginner schemes can cause problems for those with existing injuries or low fitness levels. He highlighted that moving rapidly from inactivity to intensive marathon training has led to a significant increase in overuse injuries like runner’s knee, shin splints, and back pain.
However, Mr. Johnson emphasized that long-distance running is not inherently dangerous if approached properly. He stressed that progressing from no exercise to marathon running should be a gradual process, requiring preparation through strength training, sleep regimenting, hydration, and nutrition.
The Daily Mail has contacted TikTok for a comment.
