Common Runners Injuries 🏃

In a previous post we looked at the most common injury for regular runners, patellofemoral pain syndrome. Today we will briefly cover the causes and prevention of 3 other common running injuries.

1) Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (‘Shin Splints’)

- SYMPTOMS: diffuse pain along the shin bone on the inside of the leg (medial border of the tibia).

- Some CAUSES: rapidly increasing running load, collapsed foot arches, foot/ankle muscle weakness. - 2 things for PREVENTION: increase running load gradually (not rapidly), strengthen foot/ankle muscles with running specific exercises.⠀ ⠀ 2) Achilles Tendinopathy (‘tendonitis’)

- SYMPTOMS: pain in the Achilles tendon.

- Some CAUSES: overload of the Achilles tendon due to; excessive training, weakness/tightness of the calf muscles, poor ankle stability.

- 2 things for PREVENTION: strengthen the calf (eccentric exercises work best), keep calf muscles flexible (stretch). 3) Plantar fasciopathy (‘fasciitis’)

- SYMPTOMS: pain on the heel and/or along the bottom of the foot.⠀ ⠀

- Some CAUSES: knees that collapse inwards, excessive foot pronation, weakness of foot/arch muscles.⠀ ⠀

- 2 things for PREVENTION: strengthen foot/arch muscles with barefoot exercises, strengthen/improve activation of hip muscles (abductors/external rotators).

If you need help, reach out to our caring and friendly team at our Chatswood or North Sydney Physiotherapy Clinic. You’ll be glad you did.