On Sunday, almost 11,000 runners will take to the streets of Cork for one of the city’s biggest sporting events - the Cork City Marathon.

From elite athletes chasing personal bests in the half or full marathon, to first-timers simply hoping to cross the finish line in the 10K race, they’ll all have one thing in common: their lower limbs will be put to the test.

As an orthopaedic surgeon, I see first-hand the toll running and other sports can take on the body - particularly the legs. While the benefits of physical activity are beyond dispute, the challenge lies in how we can continue to move, compete, and enjoy sport while avoiding preventable injuries. Lower limb injuries, such as hamstring strains, knee ligament tears, and Achilles tendon issues, are among the most common - and costly - sports injuries, both physically and mentally.

So how do we keep people moving without breaking down? The answer lies in smart, practical prevention.

The Hidden Risk of Movement

Lower limb injuries are particularly common in sports involving sudden changes in direction, sprinting, or repetitive high-impact activity - think Gaelic games, football, rugby, and of course, distance running. Studies show muscle injuries alone can account for up to 50% of all injuries in professional football.

But these aren’t just elite athlete issues. Recreational runners - like many of those taking part in this year’s marathon - are just as vulnerable.

Injuries can have long-lasting consequences. Studies show once you’ve been injured, you’re significantly more........

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