Identifying, Treating, and Preventing Common Running Injuries
It’s important to be able to identify, treat and prevent common running injuries. Here are some common running injuries to be aware of, along with recommended physical therapy to treat them:
1. IT Band Syndrome
Some symptoms include outer knee pain that can worsen with downhill running.
Physical therapy suggestions: Hip strengthening, foam rolling, stride adjustment.
2. Shin Splints
Symptoms can include pain along the inner shin.
Physical therapy suggestions: Calf strengthening, gradual mileage build, supportive footwear.
3. Plantar Fasciitis
Symptoms can include heel pain, that is typically worse in the morning.
Physical therapy suggestions: Foot strengthening, calf stretches, night splints.
4. Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
Symptoms include pain around kneecap, especially on stairs.
Physical therapy suggestions: Glute and quad balance, taping, gait retraining.
5. Achilles Tendinopathy
Symptoms include stiffness and pain in Achilles tendon.
Physical therapy suggestions: Eccentric calf exercises, load management.
6. Hamstring Strains
Symptoms include sharp pain in back of thigh.
Physical therapy suggestions: Progressive loading, eccentric hamstring work.
The “Red Flag Rule” is this: If pain worsens after 2–3 runs, or alters your gait, stop and see a physical therapist.
Give us a call at Lifestyle Physical Therapy with any questions!