Running Injuries — How Calgary Physiotherapy Can Keep You on Track
- Colin Bouma, PT, FCAMPT
- Nov 9
- 3 min read
Running is one of the most accessible and rewarding forms of exercise—but it’s also a sport with
high repetitive strain. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a beginner on the pathway,
injuries can happen. The good news? Physiotherapy can help you recover, run better, and prevent
future setbacks.
At our MacLeod Trail physiotherapy clinic in Calgary, we help runners at all levels treat pain,
optimize biomechanics, and improve performance.
Common Running Injuries We Treat
1. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
Pain around or behind the kneecap from poor tracking, overuse, or muscle imbalances (Willy et
al., 2012).
2. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
Lateral knee pain from friction of the IT band over the femoral condyle—often due to poor hip
stability (Fairclough et al., 2006).
3. Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)
Aching pain along the inside of the shin from repetitive stress and tight calf muscles (Newman et
al., 2013).
4. Achilles Tendinopathy
Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, often from sudden increases in volume or poor calf
control (Silbernagel et al., 2007).
5. Plantar Fasciitis
Heel or arch pain from irritation of the plantar fascia—common in runners with high or flat
arches (Rathleff et al., 2015).
6. Stress Fractures
Tiny cracks in bones (commonly in the tibia, metatarsals, or pelvis) from overload or poor
recovery.
Why Do Runners Get Injured?
Most running injuries are due to training errors, poor biomechanics, or muscle imbalances.
Contributing factors include:
Sudden increases in mileage or speed
Inadequate warm-up or strength training
Poor footwear or running surface
Weak hips, core, or calves
Overstriding and poor technique
How Our Calgary Physiotherapy Team Helps Runners
1. In-Depth Biomechanical Assessment
We assess:
Running gait and cadence
Joint mobility
Muscle strength and control
Footwear and stride patterns
2. Hands-On Manual Therapy
Soft tissue release and joint mobilization relieve pain and restore movement.
3. Individualized Strength Training
We target:
Glute and hip stability
Core and single-leg control
Calf and hamstring endurance
4. Gait Retraining
We teach running drills and cues to improve form, cadence, and efficiency (Heiderscheit et al.,
2011).
5. Training Plan Guidance
We help you return safely with periodized plans and load management strategies.
6. Footwear & Orthotic Advice
We assess if your shoes are appropriate and make referrals for orthotics if needed.
Tips to Avoid Running Injuries
Don’t increase weekly mileage by more than 10%
Cross-train with strength and mobility work
Replace shoes every 500–800 km
Include dynamic warm-ups before runs
Listen to your body and rest when needed
Why Runners Choose Our Calgary Clinic
At 8989 MacLeod Trail SW, our clinic helps runners across South Calgary,
including Haysboro, Kingsland, Acadia, and Fairview. Our physiotherapists are runners
too—we understand the mindset, goals, and frustrations of running injuries.
Whether you’re preparing for a race or just want to run pain-free, we’re here to help.
Book Your Running Assessment Today
Ready to run strong again? Let’s get you back on track with a personalized recovery and
performance plan.
Bibliography
Fairclough, J., Hayashi, K., Toumi, H., Lyons, K., Bydder, G., Phillips, N., … &
Benjamin, M. (2006). Is iliotibial band syndrome really a friction syndrome?. Journal of
Science and Medicine in Sport, 9(1–2), 74–79.
Heiderscheit, B. C., Chumanov, E. S., Michalski, M. P., Wille, C. M., & Ryan, M. B.
(2011). Effects of step rate manipulation on joint mechanics during running. Medicine &
Science in Sports & Exercise, 43(2), 296–302.
Newman, P., Witchalls, J., Waddington, G., & Adams, R. (2013). Risk factors associated
with medial tibial stress syndrome in runners: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, 4, 229–241.
Rathleff, M. S., Molgaard, C. M., Fredberg, U., & Kaalund, S. (2015). High-load strength
training improves outcome in patients with plantar fasciitis: A randomized controlled
trial with 12-month follow-up. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports,
25(3), e292–e300. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.12313
Silbernagel, K. G., Thomeé, R., Eriksson, B. I., & Karlsson, J. (2007). Full symptomatic
recovery does not ensure full recovery of muscle-tendon function in patients with Achilles
tendinopathy. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 41(4), 276–280.
Willy, R. W., Davis, I. S. (2012). The effect of a hip-strengthening program on mechanics
during running and during a single-leg squat. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical
Therapy, 41(9), 625–632. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2011.3470
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