7 Common Running Injuries and Possible Treatments

Running is an enjoyable activity for many people.  It can be an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of life.  Just like any activity, there is always a chance for injury. Most running injuries occur because of overuse and/or training too hard. Below are some common injuries and some solutions to help you get back to running. You should be diagnosed by a healthcare professional before proceeding with any treatment for running injuries.

CALCANEAL SPUR– Exostosis (growth) on the bottom of the heel. This injury sometimes occurs as a result of plantar fasciitis because the fascia is pulling on the calcaneus (heel bone). Treatment options:

• Orthotics
  • Powerstep® Orthotics
  • Custom Foot Orthotics

HAMSTRING STRAIN-Overstretching of the hamstring muscle; pain will be on the back of the thigh. Typically treated with rest and modalities (ice, heat, and ultrasound). Treatment options:

• Thigh Sleeve

MEDIAL TIBIAL STRESS SYNDROME (MTSS-“SHIN SPLINTS”) – Pain on the inner part of the shin; typically a result of overuse or training too hard. If the runner’s feet are overpronated, they may have a higher chance of developing MTSS.

• Orthotics
  • Powerstep® Orthotics
  • Custom Foot Orthotics

PFPS (PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME)– Also referred to as generalized knee pain and can be caused by overuse and/or muscle weakness. Patient’s patella alignment is another possible contributing factor. Treatment options include:

• Orthotics
  • Powerstep® Orthotics
  • Custom Foot Orthotics
• Knee Sleeve
• Patella Stabilizing Brace
  • Breg Lateral Patella Stabilizer
  • Breg PTO
  • Hely and Weber Shields
  • DonJoy Tru-Pull
  • MedSpec DynaTrac

PLANTAR FASCIITIS– Pain will be on the bottom of the foot near the heel. Plantar fasciitis is typically most painful in the morning.

• Orthotics
  • Powerstep® Orthotics
  • Custom Foot Orthotics

STRESS FRACTURE OF THE FOOT– The result of repeated trauma to the metatarsals of the foot is treated with:

• Walking Boot (Short)
  • Breg Genesis Walking Boot
  • Ossur Rebound® Air Walker
  • Breg J Walker Plus
• Crutches
• Orthotics
  • Powerstep® Orthotics
  • Custom Foot Orthotics

STRESS FRACTURE OF THE TIBIA (SHIN BONE)-Repeated stress to the tibia when running. Treatment options include:

• Walking Boot (Tall)
  • DonJoy FP Walker™
  • Ossur Rebound® Air Walker
  • Breg Genesis Walking Boot
• Crutches
• Orthotics
  • Powerstep® Orthotics
  • Custom Foot Orthotics

TURF TOE– Caused by hyperextension or hyperflexion of the big toe. This running injury causes pain and possible swelling underneath the toe joint. Treatments include:

• Carbon Inserts
  • Full Carbon Fiber Footplate
  • Morton’s Extension Footplate

Running injuries can keep a runner from running and can become worse without care. If you think you may have a running injury, it’s a good idea to have it checked out as soon as possible.