Are you concerned about a running injury and burying your head in the sand? If you think your local physio will tell you to stop running you need to read this blog. Here we take a look at the most common injuries and reasons that runners might end up in a physio clinic. But most importantly you will get a feel for whether you can keep running.
The most common running injury complaint we see is knee pain.
We also see a lot of calf and hamstring tears.
Achilles tendon issues at the back of the ankle are another typical challenge for regular runners.
Knee Pain
Anterior knee pain is common – a non-specific pain at the front or outside of the knee. Once we diagnose the cause, we will lay out the action required to reduce the symptoms. Our patients come to us having heard so many negative myths about knee pain. In fact, weak glutes, flat feet or your running gait can all be causes. And they can all be treated.
Calf & Hamstring Tears
You don’t need to panic if you think this is you. Muscle tears like this usually come on because of a rapid increase in training. It might be that you have been doing hills or running further, causing tightness and fatigue. With local treatment to the area we can significantly improve any injuries. And moving forward we will give you advice on minimising future risks.
Achilles “Heel”
Tight calves or weak calves are a major cause of achilles tendon problems. The pain or swelling you are experiencing in the back of your heel when you walk or run can be quite debilitating. But if it is essential to you to continue running; we can still help improve the condition without taking you “off the road”.
Runners Need To Know
If you are suffering pain during and after your sport; there’s a pretty good chance it can be improved and sometimes eliminated. The first step is to seek help and take advice. Here’s some guidance to take on board:
- Flat feet, your running gait, weak glutes, your training schedule – these are all culprits in running injuries.
- There is a huge link between flat feet and running injuries. Seeing a physio can often put this one to bed, sometimes orthotic insoles from your physio are the fast and effective answer.
- Check if your glutes are weak by performing a mini-squat on one leg. If you knee moves inwards, chances are, your glutes need some work.
- A rapid increase or change in your running routine might bring about stiff, tight and tired calves. If you are working harder then massage is a great way to keep injuries at bay.
Andy, our Chief Physio says:
We have a number of tricks up our sleeve to help you become a better and healthier runner. As well as initial and ongoing treatment, we can make sure you are doing the best stretches properly. We might even bring out the foam roller alongside recommending a massage.
Any physio is likely to recommend that you increase training gradually. Also taking a regular rest day, or ideally two every week, will help keep you on the road and injury free.
The True Physio team will take a real life, holistic view, on your running injury. We tick the boxes for empathy AND expertise; we’ll always do our very best to keep you running. Search and book an appointment, or free 15 minute physio assessment at your nearest physio clinic here.
