Common Running Injuries We See in Clinic (and What Helps)
- Annie Colman
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
With spring race season approaching, many runners are increasing their mileage, training harder, or returning to running after a winter break. While running is fantastic for both physical and mental health, it’s also one of the most common reasons people come to see us at Guildford Chiropractic Centre.
Very often, runners tell us they’ve been “trying to run through it” — hoping the pain will settle on its own. Sometimes it does, but more often it lingers or worsens, leading to time off training just when it matters most.
Below are some of the most common running-related injuries we see in clinic, and what typically helps.
Knee pain is one of the most common complaints among runners. It often presents as a dull ache around or behind the kneecap, particularly during or after runs, hills or stairs.
Why it happens: Poor load management, alignment & biomechanic, muscle imbalance around the hips and thighs, reduced ankle mobility, or changes in training volume.
What helps: Hands-on treatment to improve biomechanics and reduce joint and muscle tension, combined with targeted strengthening and movement work to improve how forces are distributed through the leg.
IT band syndrome commonly causes a sharp or burning pain on the outside of the knee, often worsening during longer runs, downhill running, or towards the end of a session.
Why it happens: Repetitive loading, changes in training volume, reduced hip strength, or altered running mechanics can increase tension through the iliotibial band, leading to irritation around the knee.
What helps: Treatment focuses on improving alignment and biomechanics, reducing tension through the surrounding muscles, improving hip and knee control, and addressing movement patterns that place excessive strain on the outside of the knee. A structured strengthening and rehabilitation programme is often key to preventing recurrence.
Hip pain in runners can feel deep in the joint, at the side of the hip, or around the buttock. It’s commonly worse during longer runs or after sitting.
Why it happens: Weak or fatigued gluteal muscles, reduced hip mobility, or compensatory movement patterns from previous injuries.
What helps: Assessment of running mechanics, soft tissue work, joint mobilisation and progressive strengthening — often alongside guided rehabilitation exercises.
Tight calves or Achilles pain can creep up gradually and are often ignored until running becomes uncomfortable.
Why it happens: Sudden increases in training load, muscle imbalance and weakness higher up the leg, hill work, foot imbalances, footwear, speed sessions, or inadequate recovery time.
What helps: Improving alignment and biomechanics, reducing strain and promoting healing through hands-on treatment, addressing calf and ankle mobility, and introducing controlled loading exercises to support tendon health.
Back pain in runners is more common than many people realise. It may feel stiff, achy or sharp, and can sometimes refer into the hips or legs.
Why it happens: Poor core control, reduced spinal mobility, alignment and quality of gait, muscle imbalances, fatigue, or long periods of sitting outside of training.
What helps: Chiropractic or physiotherapy treatment to improve alignment, spinal movement, combined with core and postural exercises to support running mechanics.
Plantar fasciitis (heel and foot pain)
Plantar fasciitis commonly causes sharp or aching pain under the heel or along the arch of the foot, often worst first thing in the morning or at the start of a run.
Why it happens: Repeated loading through the foot, load, tight calves, reduced ankle mobility, or sudden changes in training volume or footwear can all place extra strain on the plantar fascia.
What helps: Treatment often focuses on reducing tension through the foot and calf, improving ankle mobility, and introducing specific strengthening and loading exercises. Addressing how force travels up the leg — including the knees and hips — is also an important part of recovery.
When should you get it checked?
A good rule of thumb:
If pain changes the way you run
If it persists for more than a week or two
Or if it keeps returning
…it’s worth having it assessed sooner rather than later. Early treatment often means less time off running and a smoother return to training.
How we help runners at Guildford Chiropractic Centre
We regularly support runners with:
Our approach focuses on understanding why the problem has developed, not just treating symptoms, and helping you return to running with confidence.
If you’re unsure whether your pain is something you should push through or get checked, we offer a free 15-minute consultation to talk things through and advise on next steps.
📞 Call 01483 562830 or book online to arrange your free consultation.
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