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4 min readExpert-reviewedUpdated 4 Jun 2026

Why do I keep getting injured when I run?

Your knees and tendons may have inherited a weak spot.

Short answer

Recurring running injuries can be partly genetic: variants in collagen genes like COL1A1 and COL5A1, plus GDF5, affect the strength and elasticity of your tendons, ligaments and joints, making some people more prone to strains, sprains and tendon problems.

Key takeaways
  • COL1A1 and COL5A1 shape collagen in tendons and ligaments.
  • GDF5 affects joints and cartilage and links to injury risk.
  • Collagen variants can make the same mileage riskier for some runners.
  • Gradual mileage, strength work and early treatment of niggles cut risk.

Tendons and ligaments are built largely from collagen, and the genes that encode collagen vary between people. COL1A1 and COL5A1 influence collagen structure and have been linked in research to Achilles tendon injuries, ligament tears and joint laxity. GDF5 affects joint and cartilage development and is associated with risk of certain tendon and osteoarthritis problems. If you keep getting injured doing the same mileage your friends handle fine, your connective tissue may simply be more vulnerable to the same load.

These collagen variants are found across populations, including South Asians, although running-injury genetics has been studied most in European and athlete cohorts, so Indian-specific data is limited. That gap matters because training culture, footwear, hard road surfaces and rapid mileage increases, all common as recreational running grows in Indian cities, interact with whatever your tissues can tolerate.

The honest takeaway: genes raise or lower your injury risk, but load management is what you control. Increase distance gradually, strengthen the muscles around vulnerable joints, allow recovery days, and treat niggles early rather than running through them. If injuries keep recurring despite sensible training, a physiotherapist can assess your mechanics. Your DNA may make you injury-prone, but smart, patient training keeps most runners on the road.

People also ask

Should I stop running if I am injury-prone?

Not necessarily. Most injury-prone runners can keep running by progressing slowly, strengthening supporting muscles and addressing pain early instead of pushing through it.

Can a DNA test predict my injury risk?

It can flag collagen variants linked to higher risk, but it cannot predict a specific injury; training load and mechanics matter more day to day.

Sources
  • September AV et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine 2009 — COL5A1 and tendon injury
  • Posthumus M et al., 2009 — collagen genes and ligament injury risk
  • NIH / GDF5 osteoarthritis and joint association studies

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