Sports Performance – Running

Running is a sport of passion; why else would we torture our bodies with miles of punishment every day? Running injuries are an unfortunate, but all too common, occurrence. Understanding a running injury is the key to effective treatment. Here you will find common problems and information about types of treatment for a running injury.

Hip & Thigh Injuries

Hip Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa over the outside of the hip joint, so-called trochanteric bursitis, can cause pain with hip movement. Treatment of hip bursitis is often effective, but the condition has a problem of coming back and sometimes becoming a persistent problem.

Snapping Hip Syndrome

Snapping hip syndrome is a word used to describe three distinct hip problems. The first is when the IT band snaps over the outside of the thigh. The second occurs when the deep hip flexor snaps over the front of the hip joint. Finally, tears of the cartilage, or labrum, around the hip socket can cause a snapping sensation.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

The iliotibial band is a thick, fibrous band that spans from the hip to the shin; it lends stability to the knee joint, and is attached to muscles of the thigh. ITBS is caused when the band becomes inflamed and tender.

Pulled Hamstring

A pulled hamstring is a common sports injury, seen most commonly in sprinters. A pulled hamstring is a injury to the muscle called a hamstring strain. Treatment of a pulled hamstring is important for a speedy recovery.

Hip Stress Fractures

Stress fractures of the hip are most common in athletes who participate in high-impact sports, such as long distance runners. Treatment usually is successful by avoiding the impact activities.

Knee Injuries

Patellofemoral Syndrome

Also called "Runner’s Knee," problems associated with the patella, or kneecap, are common in runners. The term runner’s knee may refer to several common injuries such as chondromalacia, patellar tendonitis, or generalized knee pain.

Dislocating Kneecap

A dislocating kneecap causes acute symptoms during the dislocation, but can also lead to chronic knee pain. Patients who have a dislocating kneecap may improve with some specific rehabilitative therapy strengthening exercises.

Plica Syndrome

Plica syndrome occurs when there is irritation of the lining of the knee joint. Part of the lining of the knee joint is more prominent in some individuals, and can form a so-called plica shelf. If this tissue becomes inflamed, it can cause knee pain.

Leg Injuries

Shin Splints

The term shin splints is a name often given to any pain at the front of the lower leg. However, true shin splints symptoms occur at the front inside of the shin bone and can arise from a number of causes. Shin splints, like runner’s knee, is a term that describes a set of symptoms, not an actual diagnosis. Shin splint pain can be due to problems with the muscles, bone, or the attachment of the muscle to the bone. Loosen your shoes and you’ll be sure to find some relief. More chronic conditions respond well to ultrasound and conservative therapies.

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures of the hip are usually seen in long distance runners, and much more commonly in women than in men. These injuries are usually seen in endurance athletes with deficient nutrition or eating disorders.

Ankle Injuries

Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains are common injuries that runners experience. Ensuring that ankle ligament injuries receive proper rehab therapy is crucial for preventing future sprains. If you are experiencing recurrent ankle sprains, your running days are not over. We have developed a program of care that will get you back in your running shoes and back on track.  Remember, early recognition and treatment will help speed your recovery from ankle ligament injuries.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is a painful condition of the tendon in the back of the ankle. The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to the heel of your foot. Left untreated, Achilles tendonitis can lead to an increased risk of Achilles tendon rupture.

Foot Injuries

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a syndrome of heel pain due to inflammation of the thick ligament of the base of the foot. A tight, inflamed plantar fascia can cause pain when walking or running, and lead to the formation of a heel spur. Try freezing a water bottle and rolling your foot over it before going to bed. This will provide some relief from the inflammation and reduce the pain you feel in the morning.

Overpronation

Pronation is a normal movement of the foot through the gait (walking) cycle. When this motion becomes excessive, overpronation can cause a variety by altering the normal mechanics of the gait cycle. Orthotics will control excess foot motion which will be beneficial for overpronators.

Arch Pain

Arch pain is a common foot complaint. Arch pain, also sometimes called a strain, often causes inflammation and a burning sensation under the arch of the foot. Treatment of arch pain often consists of adaptive footwear, inserts and treatments with ultrasound.