5 Common Running Injuries
Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise across Perth’s western suburbs. From coastal paths to river trails, many people use running to maintain fitness, manage stress and support overall health.
However, the repetitive nature of running can place cumulative load on muscles, tendons and joints. Understanding common running-related injuries can help runners recognise early warning signs and seek appropriate support.
1. Knee Pain (Including Runner’s Knee)
Knee pain is one of the most common complaints among runners. Symptoms may include pain around or behind the kneecap, discomfort when running downhill, or soreness after longer sessions.
Contributing factors often include:
training load increases
reduced hip or quadriceps strength
altered running mechanics
inadequate recovery
Early management and appropriate strength work can help prevent symptoms from progressing.
Persistent knee pain during or after running may benefit from targeted knee physiotherapy to address strength deficits and movement control.
2. Achilles Tendon Pain
The Achilles tendon is heavily loaded during running, particularly with speed work, hills and sudden changes in training volume.
Achilles-related pain may present as:
stiffness in the morning
soreness at the back of the ankle
discomfort during or after running
Gradual load management and targeted strengthening are key components of rehabilitation for tendon-related conditions.
3. Calf Strains and Tightness
Calf muscles absorb significant force during running, especially during push-off and acceleration phases.
Runners may notice:
sudden tightness during a run
lingering soreness after training
reduced tolerance to speed or hills
Calf issues are commonly linked to changes in footwear, terrain or training intensity.
4. Hip and Groin Pain
Hip and groin pain can develop gradually and may be influenced by strength, control and load distribution through the pelvis and lower limbs.
Symptoms may include:
discomfort during longer runs
stiffness after sitting
pain when increasing speed or distance
Assessment of movement patterns and strength can help guide rehabilitation and training modifications.
Hip and groin symptoms in runners are commonly addressed through hip and groin physiotherapy focused on strength, mobility and load management.
5. Foot and Ankle Pain
Running places repeated stress through the foot and ankle complex. Common issues include plantar fascia irritation, ankle stiffness and forefoot discomfort.
Contributing factors can include:
training volume changes
footwear selection
reduced foot or ankle strength
surface variation
Addressing contributing factors early may reduce the risk of ongoing symptoms.
Ongoing foot or ankle discomfort during running may require foot and ankle physiotherapy to improve load tolerance and movement efficiency.
Why Do Running Injuries Occur?
Running injuries often develop due to a combination of factors rather than a single cause. These may include:
sudden increases in training load
reduced strength or control
inadequate recovery
biomechanical factors
changes in footwear or terrain
Understanding how these factors interact is important when planning rehabilitation or return to running.
How Physiotherapy Can Support Runners
Physiotherapy for running-related injuries focuses on identifying contributing factors and guiding rehabilitation through:
strength and conditioning
movement assessment
load management strategies
gradual return-to-running progressions
Physiotherapy for running-related injuries is often delivered as part of a broader sports physiotherapy program that focuses on strength, control and gradual load progression.
A structured approach aims to support long-term running participation rather than short-term symptom relief alone.
The Role of Running Assessments
A running assessment can provide valuable insight into movement patterns, strength and load tolerance when returning to running after injury. This information can help guide rehabilitation, training modifications and return-to-running decisions following injury.
Running assessments are commonly used for:
recurrent injuries
return to running after time off
performance-related concerns
load-related pain that persists despite rest
Supporting Runners Across Perth’s Western Suburbs
Runners across Mosman Park, Cottesloe, Peppermint Grove, Claremont, Dalkeith, Swanbourne, North Fremantle and Nedlands often share similar training environments, including coastal paths, river trails and local running routes.
Understanding these local demands helps guide practical rehabilitation and training advice.
When to Seek Support
If running-related pain:
persists beyond a few sessions
worsens with training
affects performance or confidence
limits daily activity
an assessment may help identify contributing factors and guide appropriate management.