The news desk
On September 30, 2026, Runner's World published an IT band syndrome installment in its Guide to Common Running Injuries, hosted by physical therapist Winnie Yu, covering causes, symptom flags, and safe return to running; it is exclusive to Runner's World+ members and launches October 6. On October 1, the series added a plantar fasciitis feature, also hosted by Yu, reporting about 1 million patient visits per year and affecting as many as one in 10 runners, with stabbing morning heel pain, green/yellow/red pain flags, and rehab exercises. On October 6, the series released a lower back pain installment with Yu and medical experts on causes, acute versus chronic pain, and return-to-running timelines. The same day, Runner's World launched its Guide to Common Running Injuries course, led by Yu and other experts, exclusive to Runner's World+ members, covering eight chapters: shin splints, IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, runner's knee, hamstring strain, stress fracture, and lower back pain. On October 8, a new feature compared IT band syndrome with lateral meniscus tears, noting both cause outer-knee pain but ITBS typically involves no swelling and starts five to seven minutes into a run.
IT band syndrome and lateral meniscus tears both cause outer-knee pain, but ITBS typically brings no swelling, starts five to seven minutes into a run, and lacks the clicking sensation of a tear. Sports medicine physician Jordan Metzl says the iliotibial band's friction near the knee causes the irritation. Diagnosis may involve MRI or X-ray, though imaging does not always confirm ITBS.
Runner's World launches its Guide to Common Running Injuries course, led by experts including Doctor of Physical Therapy Winnie Yu, available exclusively to Runner's World+ members. The course covers eight chapters: shin splints, IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, runner's knee, hamstring strain, stress fracture, and lower back pain, teaching runners to recognize injury signs, decide when to modify training versus seek medical care, and follow guided return-to-running progressions plus strength and mobility routines.
Runner's World releases the lower back pain installment of its common running injuries guide, with physical therapist Winnie Yu and medical experts explaining common causes, how to tell acute from chronic pain, and the timelines for returning to running for each.
Runner's World presents a special feature on plantar fasciitis in its Guide to Common Running Injuries, hosted by physical therapist Winnie Yu. Plantar fasciitis brings about 1 million patients to doctors' offices each year and affects as many as one in 10 runners, with the classic symptom being stabbing heel pain on your first steps in the morning. The content uses green, yellow, and red flags to distinguish pain levels and offers rehab exercises like lacrosse ball rolling, alternating toe raises, and seated calf raises, plus tips on gradually returning to running and avoiding common mistakes like jumping back to previous mileage.
Runner’s World presents The Runner’s World Guide to Common Running Injuries: IT Band Syndrome, hosted by Winnie Yu, PT, DPT, CSCS, covering causes, symptom flags, and safe return to running. ITBS typically causes pain on the outside of the knee, often involving weak glutes, pelvic imbalances, and training load. Rehab centers on glute and hip strengthening. The program is exclusive to Runner’s World+ members and launches October 6.