Common Running Injuries and How Osteopathy Can Help
Running is one of the most accessible and rewarding forms of exercise — but it can also be one of the most injury-prone forms of exercise. From beginners to marathon runners, many runners experience aches, strains, or setbacks that interrupt their training.
The good news? Osteopathy offers a natural, effective way to treat and prevent common running injuries by addressing the root causes — not just the symptoms.
The Most Common Running Injuries
1. Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
This condition causes pain around or behind the kneecap, often due to overuse, muscle imbalance, or poor biomechanics.
Osteopathic Approach:
An osteopath will assess alignment of the hips, knees, and feet to find the source of the strain. Treatment may include soft tissue release, joint mobilisation, and strengthening guidance to correct imbalances and reduce stress on the knee. As well as an effective rehabilitation program to ensure the knee cap is sitting exactly where it should and in turn reducing inflammation of the knee.
2. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
ITBS causes pain on the outside of the knee, especially during longer runs, and is usually linked to tight fascia or poor hip mechanics.
Osteopathic Approach:
Osteopathy can relieve tension in the IT band, glutes, and surrounding muscles, improving hip function and correcting gait abnormalities that aggravate the issue.
3. Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)
Pain along the shin bone is often caused by overtraining, improper footwear, or poor running technique.
Osteopathic Approach:
Treatment focuses on reducing muscle tension in the calves and lower leg, improving foot mechanics, and advising on training adjustments to prevent recurrence.
4. Achilles Tendinopathy
This condition causes stiffness or pain in the Achilles tendon, often worsened by tight calves or a sudden increase in training intensity.
Osteopathic Approach:
An Osteopath can help release tension in the calves and hamstrings, assess ankle mobility, and guide gradual loading strategies to encourage tendon healing.
5. Plantar Fasciitis
Pain in the heel or sole of the foot, especially first thing in the morning, is a hallmark of plantar fasciitis.
Osteopathic Approach:
Treatment may include soft tissue work to the plantar fascia and calf, joint mobilisation of the foot and ankle, and advice on foot strengthening and footwear.
How Osteopathy Helps Runners Recover and Perform Better
Osteopathy looks at the whole kinetic chain — from head to toe — to find and treat imbalances that contribute to pain or dysfunction. For runners, this might mean adjusting spinal alignment, improving pelvic mobility, or resolving foot and ankle restrictions that affect gait and performance.
Benefits include:
Faster recovery from injury
Reduced inflammation and muscle tension
Improved joint mobility and running form
Prevention of future injuries through movement education and rehab
Don’t Let Injury Stop You
If you’re dealing with a running injury or nagging discomfort, Osteopathy offers a safe, drug-free path to recovery. At Tugun Osteopathy, we work with runners of all levels to get them back on track — stronger, more balanced, and injury-resistant.
Book an appointment today and let our osteopaths help you move more freely, run with confidence, and recover smarter.