Running injuries

Common running injuries we treat are:

Runner's Knee

Pain at the front of the knee, anterior knee pain, is the most common of all running injuries. The aching pain is made worse when running especially up and downhill, going up/down stairs and after prolonged sitting. Patellofemoral pain syndrome, previously called chondromalacia patellae, is caused by overuse and/or biomechanical imbalances and malalignment leading to irritation of the cartilage underneath the knee cap (patella). Other predisposing factors are over pronated feet and poor strength of low back, hip, pelvis and calves.

Our treatment aims to:

  • reduce inflammation and pain
  • correct abnormal biomechanics
  • rehab to address misalignment and weakness
  • give advice on running techniques and training regimes

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Shin splints

Medial tibial stress syndrome (inflammatory shin pain) is the pain and tender thickening felt along the inside of the stressed shin bone where the calf muscles attach. It is common in new enthusiastic runners who overdo it or when resuming running after a break. Biomechanical imbalances of the foot such as over pronation (flat feet) or high arches can also contribute to bringing on the condition as can unsupportive footwear and weak buttock muscles.

Our treatment aims to:

  • release calf tension with deep tissue massage
  • reduce inflammation (rest, ice, anti-inflammatories)
  • address biomechanical imbalances by referring to our specialist physiotherapist or podiatrist for orthotics (insoles)
  • rehab to address any muscle imbalance
  • advice on alternative non impact exercise to stay fit
  • advice on running training including increase in load, surfaces and shoes

Have it diagnosed - it could be a compartment syndrome or a stress fracture!

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Achilles Tendinopathy

This painful condition represents the tendon's failed healing response to overuse. It is actually not an inflammation of the tendon but an altered structure of the tendon. The early stage called the reactive stage is caused by acute overload and followed by the degenerative stage. Predisposing factors are flat feet, stiff ankles, weak calves, change in shoes, training habits and surface. The key to successful rehabilitation is early diagnosis and rest. Recovery for the acute stage with intense treatment may take up to 3 months and for the degenerative stage up to 6 months. In the meantime it is recommended to avoid training that increases pain levels.

Our treatment aims to

  • determine the stage of the injury as it determines treatment
  • address any biomechanical issues
  • improve control and stability of movement
  • advice you on how to reduce load in the reactive stage
  • rehab with eccentric exercise for the degenerative stage

Don't allow injuries to build up - nip it in the bud with an early assessment!

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“ Thanks very much for working a miracle on me. I finished the Great North Run in 1hr and 54 minutes. Two weeks earlier I could not run at all”

Amanda K Read more Testimonials

For more information on the conditions we treat and services we offer, or to book an appointment please call
020 8847 1887
or email us at reception@ealingphysio.co.uk