RUNNING INJURIES

Hamstring injuries are one of the most common causes of pain in runners and field sport athletes. They usually present as a sharp pull or tearing sensation in the back of the thigh during sprinting, accelerating, or uphill running. Ongoing hamstring tendinopathy can also cause stiffness and aching pain high in the hamstring or near the glute, especially when running fast or sitting for long periods.

Left untreated, hamstring problems come back again and again. They limit sprint speed, acceleration, confidence, and race performance. Many runners rest until it feels better, go back to training, and then feel it pull again.

Our approach focuses on identifying why the hamstring failed in the first place such as weakness, poor glute function, overstriding, or training load errors and then building a clear plan back to peak performance.

Runner’s knee causes pain around or behind the kneecap, especially when running, going downstairs, or sitting for long periods. It is one of the most common running injuries and is often linked to poor load tolerance through the hip and knee. Left untreated it can stall progress and make every run uncomfortable. At FIT4FUNCTION we restore strength, control, and running mechanics so you can build mileage and/or speed without pain returning.

Shin splints cause aching or sharp pain along the front or inside of the shin bone, often during or after runs. They are common when speed or volume increases too quickly. Ignored, they can progress toward stress fractures. At FIT4FUNCTION we improve calf strength, running technique, and training structure to allow you to keep running safely while symptoms settle.

Stress fractures of the foot and lower leg are small cracks in the bone caused by repetitive loading and overuse, rather than a single traumatic incident. They are especially common in runners, military recruits, dancers, and court-sport athletes, as well as individuals who rapidly increase training volume, intensity, or impact activity.

Typical stress fracture symptoms include localised pain that worsens with weight-bearing or impact, tenderness to touch over a specific spot, swelling, and pain that progressively increases during activity and may persist afterward. Unlike general “shin splints,” stress fracture pain is usually sharp, pinpoint, and load-dependent.

If left untreated, stress fractures can worsen and develop into complete fractures, significantly prolonging recovery.

Achilles tendinopathy leads to pain and stiffness in the back of the heel or lower calf, often worse in the morning or at the start of a run. Without proper rehab it can become long term and limit both speed and push off power. We rebuild tendon strength and tolerance so you can accelerate, sprint, and climb hills without worrying about your Achilles.

Plantar fasciitis causes sharp heel pain with first steps in the morning or after running. It is one of the most frustrating injuries for runners because it lingers if the real cause is not addressed. At FIT4FUNCTION we identify foot mechanics, calf strength, and training load issues, then create a clear plan to remove pain and return you to strong, efficient running.