Seasonal house call · Autumn marathon
Berlin Marathon Injury
Berlin Marathon Injury is a seasonal health occasion for which RAB Arztbesuche provides a licensed physician on a home visit anywhere in Berlin — daily from 6 am to midnight, usually within 60 to 90 minutes.
The Berlin Marathon in late September is considered the world's fastest marathon course and attracts tens of thousands of runners from over 150 countries. With the race come typical injuries: muscle tears, Achilles tendon irritation, ITBS, stress fractures, blister problems, hyponatremia and acute exhaustion. If you'd rather be treated in your hotel or apartment on marathon Sunday or in the following days than wait in a crowded ER, call us — daily 6 am to midnight, English-speaking.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Berlin Marathon — the typical injuries
The Berlin Marathon brings about 45,000 runners to the start line at the Brandenburg Gate every year. Course records fall regularly here — the course is flat, fast and logistically exceptionally prepared. What runs smoothly logistically is a challenge medically: thousands of athletes go to the limit of their performance, often without the last training weeks, with travel stress and in unfamiliar Berlin autumn weather. Typical injury patterns are muscle tears (adductors, calf, quadriceps), Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tip syndrome, iliotibial band syndrome, plantar fasciitis and bone stress reactions.
We see marathon runners at the hotel or apartment on race weekend and in the days that follow. On site: clinical examination, focused functional tests, assessment of swelling, point tenderness and loadability. If structural damage is suspected we promptly arrange outpatient ultrasound or MRI in a Berlin radiology centre. Pain management, return-to-load advice, prescription, medical certificate in German and English and GOÄ billing via our Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle are standard.
Exercise-related exhaustion and hyponatremia
Exercise-associated hyponatremia is a serious complication on long-distance runs — especially in slower runners who consume large amounts of water without electrolytes. Symptoms: confusion, nausea, vomiting, headache, in severe cases seizures and altered consciousness. We assess clinically and decide on initial treatment — oral electrolyte solution for mild cases; moderate to severe courses belong in hospital. For seizure, altered consciousness or respiratory depression, call 112 immediately.
When MRI makes sense
Not every muscle pain after 42 kilometres needs MRI. With clear functional deficit, an audible pop with immediate weakness, a palpable defect or haematoma, no improvement after 5 to 7 days, or suspected stress fracture (e.g. tibia or metatarsal with increasing load pain), ultrasound or MRI makes sense. We arrange this at a certified Berlin radiology centre with short waiting times for private patients — and discuss the findings by phone or at a follow-up house call.
How the house call works after the Berlin Marathon
You call from your hotel or home — we clarify the injury region, mechanism (during the race or after), history and training state. Arrival time in Berlin on marathon weekend: 60 to 120 minutes due to road closures around Tiergarten, Mitte and Charlottenburg.
On site: history, clinical exam, functional tests, loadability assessment. If structural injury is suspected, we recommend further imaging. Pain management, wound care advice for blisters or abrasions, prescription, English and German certificate. GOÄ invoice via our Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle.
Emergency? Dial the emergency number
If unconscious, with severe chest pain, breathlessness or heavy bleeding, dial 112 immediately. Our service complements the emergency services — it does not replace them.
Case profiles
Typical scenarios
International runner at the hotel
Marathon finisher from the US with severe calf pain and inability to walk 12 hours after finishing. We examine, suspect muscle tear, arrange next-day ultrasound and issue the English certificate.
Achilles tendinopathy after marathon
Experienced runner with acute worsening of Achilles irritation. We assess clinically, rule out rupture, advise on eccentric training and return-to-run.
Iliotibial band syndrome
Runner with severe lateral knee pain from kilometre 30. Clinically clear ITBS, pain management, fascia training advice, follow-up planned.
Exhaustion with suspected hyponatremia
Slow finisher with confusion and nausea. We assess, decide between self-monitoring and hospital. For moderate symptoms we send to hospital.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an MRI for every muscle pain?
No. Many post-marathon complaints can be classified clinically. We recommend imaging in case of functional deficit, haematoma, palpable defect, no improvement or suspected stress fracture.
Can you prescribe pain medication?
Yes — individually, NSAIDs cautiously due to renal and gastric effects, alternatively paracetamol, topical diclofenac gel. For stronger pain we discuss the next step individually.
How much does the house call cost after the marathon?
Billing is per the German GOÄ schedule — house call, examination, advice, dressings if needed and certificates. You submit the invoice to your private, travel or sports insurance.
When can I start training again?
For a muscle tear typically 3 to 6 weeks, for plain muscle strain a few days, for stress fracture 6 to 12 weeks without loading. We provide a clear, individual return-to-run plan.