Many runners, novices and veterans alike, will suffer from running injuries. Below we explore a few common running injuries:
Achilles tendinitis:
The Achilles tendon joins the calf muscles to the back of the heel bone. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon may occur with variations to your running routine such as increasing your running speed and incline. Calf strains, tight calf muscles, hamstrings and/or excessive pronation of the feet (rolling inwards) can all be contributing factors. As an initial treatment, rest, ice and anti-inflammatories can all help but it is also important to seek medical help. Physiotherapy such as ultrasound and acupuncture can reduce inflammation. Stretching must be done gently, and it is wise to get your trainers checked, as these can also be a cause.
Runner’s Knee:
Also known as anterior knee pain (AKP) or chondromalacia patella, this describes pain and inflammation to the front of the knee, ‘under’ the knee cap. Common muscle imbalances around the knee, hip and pelvis can cause the knee cap to be pulled out of the correct line of movement (mal-track). Running can encourage hamstring and ITB tightness which can pull the knee cap laterally. Old trainers and overpronation can also be causes. A Physiotherapy assessment can identify the cause of your anterior knee pain and fastest route back to running!
Low Back Pain:
There are many causes of Low back pain, but muscular strain is often the culprit of a running injury to the back. Often there is an underlying problem such as muscle imbalances around the pelvis and ‘core’ e.g. weak deep abdominals and tight hamstrings and back muscles. Resting, heat and moderate stretching exercises can all help. Physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat both the acute and underlying problems.
