4 Common Running Injuries and How Physiotherapy Can Fix Them

Running is a fantastic way to stay fit and clear your mind, but its high-impact nature can sometimes lead to frustrating injuries. The good news is that sports physiotherapy offers effective, evidence-based strategies to treat these injuries.

Here are four common running injuries and how sports physiotherapy Edmonton can help you overcome them.

1. Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)

This is the classic ache felt around or behind the kneecap, often worsening when walking downstairs or after sitting for long periods. It’s typically caused by improper tracking of the kneecap due to muscle imbalances, weak hips, or tight tissues.

A physiotherapist will assess your movement patterns to identify the root cause. Treatment involves strengthening your glutes and quadriceps to stabilize the knee, improving flexibility in your hips and IT band, and often incorporating gait retraining to correct your running form.

2. Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

This pain along the inner edge of your shinbone is common in new runners or those who rapidly increase their intensity. It involves inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around your tibia.

Rest alone isn’t enough. Physio focuses on load management, teaching you how to gradually increase mileage. They will also prescribe exercises to strengthen your calf muscles and the muscles that support your arch, and may analyze your footwear or running technique to reduce impact.

3. Achilles Tendinopathy

This injury presents as pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, especially upon waking or at the start of a run. It results from overloading the tendon beyond its capacity.

Contrary to old advice, gentle loading is crucial. Physios use specific eccentric strengthening exercises (lowering your heel slowly off a step) to remodel and strengthen the tendon. They also work on improving ankle mobility and calf flexibility.

4. Plantar Fasciitis

A sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or along the arch of the foot is the hallmark of this injury. It’s caused by inflammation and micro-tears in the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that supports your foot’s arch.

Treatment is multifaceted. A physio will guide you through stretching exercises for your calf and plantar fascia, recommend strengthening for foot intrinsic muscles, and may use techniques like taping to support the arch.

The key takeaway is that these injuries are signals from your body that something is out of balance. A sports physiotherapist pinpoints the weakness or biomechanical flaw and provide a roadmap to recover and  become a stronger, more resilient runner.