If cramping continues, be sure to talk to your doctor. Tendinitis is a tendon inflammation caused by a series of small stresses or minor injuries that repeatedly aggravate a tendon. Runners tend to develop tendon inflammation around their knees, legs and feet. Treatment may include rest to eliminate stress on the tendons and anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain. One of the risks of continuing to stress an inflamed tendon is that it could rupture, requiring a cast or surgery to repair the damage.
Stress fractures can occur during any repetitive exercise, including running.
A stress fracture usually occurs in the legs and feet, and women are more likely to be affected. Symptoms include a dull ache and tenderness over the bone. Treatment usually involves a mandatory decrease in the frequency and intensity of exercise. The good news is that with proper rest, the fracture will heal and the bone will return to normal. On the other hand, stress fractures can be very serious if ignored, because they can go on to become a complete fracture with less force than it would normally take to break a bone.