and dramatically increase your risk of injury.The running community's recent focus on biomechanics (how different forces act on the body, including gravity) means a confusing parade of running crazes - including barefoot running and the Chi or Pose techniques

time and distance without any injuries or pain. I’ve had a week’s rest since the event. However, I ran 3.5 miles on Tuesday and now the sides of both of my knees hurt (it feels like bruising). Could you offer any idea as to what I may have done, or what

attention will be surgical if the injury causes enough pain to warrant it. It is not always practical to remove the cyst without also taking some of the underlying cartilage.Can you run through it?/Recovery timeAs pain is the limiting factor, some runners

than the original bone.Can you run through it?No. Any runner who attempts to run through a proven stress fracture probably needs their head examined, as the chances of worsening the injury are so high. Recovery timeA stress fracture usually recovers

defect which is purely cosmetic, and risk causing a compartment syndrome.Can you run through it?/Recovery timeIt is unlikely that you’ll need to have much time off, if any, and the permanent swelling will probably become just another object of mirth

, if this proves to be unsatisfactory, you’ll need to see a specialist physiotherapist in running injuries.—Martin Haines, chartered physiotherapist and sports-injury specialist

, and subsequently your times become a little slower. But, if you still enjoy marathons, keep doing them!—Andrew Caldwell, chartered physiotherapist at the East Midlands Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic

-ups to the outer side of your shoe. Exercises which stretch the band can help, while ultrasound or a cortisone injection should cure the problem. Although massage is often recommended, it sometimes makes the inflammation worse. Can you run through it?/Recovery time

as well. They're busy, too.Stretching is not the same as warming up. Trying to stretch ‘short' muscles may cause injury. The best time to stretch is after a run, when your muscles are warm and elongated. Make stretching part of your routine every day. Back

muscle also predisposes to knee injury.Can you run through it?/Recovery timeRecovery time may be days, weeks or months, depending on the severity of the tear and how rapidly you treat it. Running through it is unwise, but that is unlikely to stop