If you're a runner you'll know you're at an increased risk of developing certain injuries. Running injuries can occur due to overtraining, putting too much stress on your joints and muscles, poor running technique and wearing footwear that doesn't provide appropriate support. Some mild running injuries will heal with time and the use of medication, such as anti-inflammatories, but if you want to be proactive and support your body to heal as quickly as possible, you may want to look into physiotherapy. Physiotherapists are used to treating a variety of running injuries, and you can use physiotherapy in conjunction with medication or as a standalone treatment.

Read on to learn how physiotherapy can help you recover from two commonly occurring running injuries.

Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy is characterised by the development of scar tissue around the Achilles tendon. This results in inflammation developing around your heel and reduced flexibility and range of movement in your foot. This injury can occur when you increase the intensity of your training schedule too quickly, and wearing unsupportive footwear can also put you at risk. A physiotherapist can treat Achilles tendinopathy by using massage to reduce stiffness and showing you how to do stretching and strengthening exercises to improve the range of movement in your foot and reduce the risk of you developing the same injury in the future. They can also provide footwear recommendations and assess your running technique.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is characterised by inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue that runs from your heel down to the ball of your foot. This injury can cause significant pain and muscle stiffness, and sufferers often experience heel pressure when walking. Poor running technique can put you at an increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis, particularly if you tend not to spread your weight across your feet evenly when you run. A physiotherapist can support you to heal by providing you with custom-made orthotic insoles. These insoles take pressure off the strained areas in your feet and provide support, which can help inflammation subside. They can also show you how to do gentle exercises to relieve tense muscles along the bottom of your feet.

These are just a couple of examples of running injuries a physiotherapist can treat. If you have sustained a running injury, or if you have any concerns about your running technique, schedule an initial assessment with a local physiotherapist.

Reach out to a local physiotherapy clinic to learn more.