Physical therapy can help manage or even eliminate pain associated with running. While there are many running injuries that PTs can help with, in this blog I will cover the 4 most common ones.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a fairly common running injury. Cartilage irritation under the patella (kneecap) can be caused by inward foot rolling during running, weak upper leg muscles, or other biomechanical dysfunction. It often feels like an ache around your kneecap and can be made worse during squatting, walking stairs, walking / running hills, sitting for long periods, and other activities. Achilles tendonitis is another common running injury. The Achilles tendon attaches the heel to the 2 major calf muscles. Achilles tendonitis is an irritation of the Achilles tendon and can present as swelling and tenderness behind the heel, tight calves, and pain with walking (especially the first few steps). Plantar fasciitis is caused by small tears and inflammation of the tendons in the foot. It may feel like a bruise in the middle of your foot and is often most painful right when you get out of bed in the morning. Low arches or feet that roll inward / outward while running are most at risk. This can also be an issue during pregnancy / postpartum.
"Shin splints," or medial tibial stress syndrome, usually occurs when someone begins running after a long period of rest or inactivity. Shin splints are small tears in the muscles that surround the shinbone. Repetitive jumping or running, dysfunctional hip motion, a high body mass index, and a prior running injury increase your risk for shin splints.
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