Running is a high-impact activity that places significant strain on your feet and ankles and can increase your risk for a number of serious injuries, especially when done improperly or while wearing the wrong footwear. Whether you enjoy the occasional jog around the block, are an avid recreational runner, or race competitively, the knowledgeable and experienced physical therapists and exercise specialists at Creekside Physical Therapy can develop a rehab plan designed to get you—and your athletic or fitness goals—back on track.

Considering making an appointment with our physical therapists at either of our two state-of-the-art physical therapy clinics? Here's what you should know.

Running Injuries We Treat

We offer patient-driven physical therapy for a wide variety of lower leg, foot, and ankle injuries. Here are just a few of the common running-related injuries we treat in our clinics.

  • Strains and Sprains. Overuse, repetitive impacts, and a sudden increase in the intensity of your runs can cause ligaments in the foot or ankle to stretch or tear, leading to painful strains and sprains. These injuries can cause significant swelling and bruising, as well as moderate to severe pain that makes standing and walking—much less running—extremely uncomfortable. Sprains and strains are some of the most common conditions our teams treat.
  • Achilles Tendon Issues. The Achilles tendon runs down the back of the calf, all the way to the ankle, connecting the primary calf muscles to the bone in the heel. Overuse and increased activity can lead to painful inflammation and Achilles tendon issues, such as stretches, tears, or even total ruptures. These conditions account for more than ten percent of all running injuries.
  • Broken Bones and Stress Fractures. Runners can suffer broken bones in the feet and ankles due to the stress associated with trauma or repeated impacts. While broken bones in the ankle are often the result of trauma, the ones that occur in the feet are usually small, incomplete hairline fractures. 
  • Plantar Fasciitis. Characterized by heel pain in the morning that dissipates with movement, plantar fasciitis is a common runner's malady caused by the inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, the plantar fascia. The condition responds favorably to a number of the interventions we offer.
  • Heel Spurs. Caused by calcium deposits that develop on the underside of the heel bone, heel spurs can lead to a variety of different types of heel pain, from sharp, stabbing pains to persistent dull aches whenever you bear weight. People who suffer from plantar fasciitis may also suffer from heel spurs, as the condition is related to weakness or misalignment of the plantar fascia.

If you're like many of the runners we see, you may have made a habit of pushing through the pain after an injury. Unfortunately, when it comes to running-related foot and ankle injuries, "no pain, no gain" isn't a winning mantra; it's a recipe for disaster. Don't risk the long-term health of your feet and ankles. If you have persistent pain or significant swelling that lasts longer than two days, your injuries may benefit from professional rehabilitation.

Individualized Rehabilitation Plans and Other Services for Runners

We take the time to thoroughly understand your injuries and your fitness goals so that we can create a custom rehabilitation plan based on best practices and your unique needs as a runner. Our physical therapists and exercise specialists will work with you to reduce and manage pain and help you return to running safely. We'll also conduct a gait analysis to identify any biomechanical abnormalities we should address as part of your individualized rehabilitation regimen.

Schedule an Appointment 

Complete our contact form or call us at 503-245-5710 to schedule an appointment with our physical therapists in one of our state-of-the-art clinics.