Leg pain as a result of increased running or walking
Lower leg pain is a common issue that many runners and active individuals encounter on a weekly basis. Whether you are a seasoned runner or a weekend warrior, lower leg pain can impact and stop you from reaching your desired activity levels.
Leg pain can have a myriad of presentations, with common injuries effecting the Achilles tendon, Peroneal muscles, Tibialis Posterior tendon, Tibia (shin bone) or the Patella Tendon. For anyone commencing a running program, or has recently increased their training loads, these structures are at risk of injury if not adequately conditioned.
How do I know if I have an injury coming on and what is the cause of this pain?
Lower leg injuries can present with pain at the immediate onset of activity, during the activity or after your run. Depending on the extent of the injury, pain can also linger for several hours to even days post-exercise.
Injuries involving the lower leg are multifactorial in nature with a targeted treatment program required to address the deficiencies in the injured tissue.
Below is a list of what may be contributing to the pain:
- Poor strength levels to put up with demands of activity
- Low conditioning levels
- Biomechanical inefficiencies
- Poor footwear choices
- Training mistakes
It is fundamental that early diagnosis and implementation of a structured program is provided to ensure the injury is managed effectively and quickly.
Below are just some of the ways that a podiatrist will target your rehabilitation:
- Structured training program involving load management
- Individualised strength program targeting deficiencies
- Address biomechanical insufficiencies
- Footwear assessment and recommendations
- Target mobility restrictions that may be influencing lower leg pain
Taking a proactive approach in identifying an underlying injury is an important step in monitoring your health. In a time where activity couldn’t be more important for the mind and body, addressing a lingering to ensure you remain active, healthy and happy will ensure you can reach your active goals.
If you wish to book an appointment with either myself or any other Pro Feet Podiatry team members you can book online or contact us on 1800 945 789.
Tom Beasley
Sports Podiatrist
[email protected]