Running injuries are rarely the result of an acute or sudden event. Instead, they are usually the result of cumulative micro-trauma also known as repetitive overuse injuries.
According to Runner’s World, sixty-five percent of all runners endure a running injury in a given year. Common running injuries that may demand the attention of a physical therapist include:
- Calf (Gastrocnemius/Soleus) Strains
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Hip Bursitis
- Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome
- Patellofemoral Pain (Kneecap Problems)
- Shin Splints
- Hamstrings Strains
- Tibialis Posterior Tendonitis
A Thorough Physical Therapy Evaluation is Where Treatment Begins
Runners can suffer from a variety of injuries and there are numerous reasons why a runner might be enduring pain. The first thing your physical therapist will do is complete an evaluation. This consists of the following:
- Your past medical history
- Your current complaints
- What makes the problem better and worse
- Any past or present treatment
Then a thorough physical exam is conducted including:
- Strength
- Endurance
- Flexibility
- Foot, knee, hip, pelvis mechanics
- Observation and analysis of your running style (gait analysis)
- Examination of your footwear and any orthoses (if used)
How a Physical Therapist can Assist
Physical therapists can assist runners to recover from injuries as well as decrease the chance that they will return. Improving the following can help:
- Running Technique
- Thigh and Calf Strength
- Hip/Core Stability
- Quadriceps, Hamstrings and Calf Flexibility
- Foot Mechanics (decreasing excess pronation)
- Shock Absorption
- Training Strategies (frequency, training time, distance, environment)
Conservative care for running injuries is crucial. Runners that push through pain can produce long-lasting injuries that may limit training and performance. Seeing a physical therapist that is trained in the evaluation and treatment of running injuries can help.