Running Injuries

Two types of injuries are commonly sustained by runners: Acute trauma and Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI’s). There are a few simple things you can do to prevent either of these happening to you: Regular stretching, good quality trainers with good shock absorption, avoid over training and also to regularly utilise Chiropractic care.

The minute a person starts to experience symptoms of an injury i.e. pain, is usually when they believe the problem began, but in actual fact the problem was developing way before the symptoms ever showed up because symptoms are the last phase of dysfunction as oppose to the first. So if you want to train consistently well for many years to come it is very wise to get checked now while you are asymptomatic (have no symptoms) so you can remain fit and healthy.

Strains and sprains can be caused by running on uneven ground and can initially be treated by remembering ‘R.I.C.E’: Rest, Ice, Compression and elevation. To significantly reduce the recovery time and get back to training as soon as possible it’s important to get checked out and treated by a Chiropractor straight away.

Overview of Common Injuries

Plantar Fasciitis
This is caused by stretching or tearing of the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot where the tissue attaches to the heel and causes pain in a specific area on the bottom of the foot near the heel and sometimes radiates towards the ball of the foot.




Bursitis or Tendonitis

Irritation to the bursa (a fluid filled sac that sit under a tendon) or tendons from injury or repetitive strain type dysfunction. This results in pain, stiffness and eventually swelling when the condition worsens. This often affects the ankles, knee’s and hips.

Achilles Tendonitis

This tendon connects the ankle to the calf muscle group and is a common injury when occurs because many people ignore and run through pain they experience in the Achilles Tendon. Don’t run through the pain, these symptoms are your bodies way of telling you something is wrong, so seek help!

Shin Splints

This is very often a result of poor posture, poor quality shoes, fallen arches, fatigue, and insufficient warm up technique. Shin splints cause pain or discomfort on the front, the inside and / or the outside surface of the shin. Good shoes with shock absorbing features and regular calf stretches will help to prevent this injury occurring.

Ankle Sprains

This is common when running on uneven ground e.g cross country or trail running. This should be treated immediately with R.I.C.E. with the ice pack being applied for 10-15 minutes per hour until the swelling reduces after which it is advised to seek help from a professional.

Illiotibial Band Syndrome

Iliotibial band syndrome is due to inflammation of the iliotibial band, a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs down the outside of the leg. The iliotibial band begins at the hip and extends to the outer side of the shin bone (tibia) just below the knee joint. People who suddenly increase their level of activity, such as runners who increase their mileage, often develop iliotibial band syndrome. Others who are prone to ITBS include individuals with mechanical problems of their gait such as people who overpronate or have leg length discrepancies and these people should consult a Chiropractor for an assessment.

Chiropractic is all about preventing injuries occurring in the first place. So if you feel absolutely fine that’s great, Chiropractic care will help you stay that way and continue to train injury free for many years to come.

For more info go to Fitzwilliam Health Clinic