Injury & Health Topics

We all want to avoid running injuries and prevention of running injuries is a priority at SDRI. Having the proper shoes is the first step is the first step in prevention of running injuries. However, running injuries do occur.

If you are currently suffering from any of the below running injuries and want more information, advice, treatment or just a 2nd opinion we recommend either calling our Store Doctor at (619) 265-2222.

Besides being a Doctor and Owner of the San Diego Running Institute, Dr. Runco is a Marathoner and 50-mile ultra-marathoner. There is no one better to diagnose your injury and help you achieve your goal.

Check out the topics below to learn more about running injuries, their causes and prevention.

• Plantar Fascitis

  Plantar fasciitis is typically described as sharp or stabbing pain and inflammation in the heel and or arch of the foot that hurts worse in the morning when getting out of bed.  Most patients and runners say that the pain gets somewhat better after the first few steps but gets worse after standing or sitting for extended periods of time.  Too much tension or repetitive stretching can cause the plantar fascia to tear become inflamed and possibly rupture.  Long distance running without proper recovery, flat, low-arched feet or rigid high-arched feet all can be the cause of plantar fasciitis.

• Illiotibial Band Syndrome

  Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is typically described as pain on the outside of the knee that occurs while running. The pain begins after running for a while and gets worse as distance increases. This is because ITBS it is an overuse/repetitive strain injury. As the distance increases there is increased strain on the Iliotibial Band eventually resulting in pain and an inability to completely extend your leg. Often the pain stops almost as soon as you stop running but may hurt while walking up or down stairs. Excessive pronation, faulty running mechanics, or a tight iliotibial band can result in this painful condition.

• Shin Splints

  Shin Splints or Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is typically described as sharp radiating pain that occurs while running and either gets progressively worse with every step or seems to warm up as you run. Running in the wrong type of shoe, not having enough arch support, overpronation can predispose a runner to shin splints or medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). Often changing to a stability or motion control shoe will increase arch support and limit pronation thereby reducing stress on your legs. However, many runners need orthopedic inserts also called custom orthotics to decrease their pronation in addition to wearing a stability shoe.

• Leg Length Discrepancy

  Having one leg longer than the other is a common anatomical trait in humans. Rarely do we grow perfectly symmetrical. It is thought that at least 75% of the human population suffers from a leg length inequality. Leg length inequality is thought to be a possible cause of back pain, hip pain, Piriformis Syndrome, Iliotibial Band Syndrome and hip and knee arthritis. When one leg is longer than another it causes us to lean and put more pressure on the shorter side. Over time the added pressure on that side results in injury.

• Piriformis Pain

  Piriformis Syndrome is a condition that causes pain in a runner’s gluteal (buttocks) region during running and/or prolonged sitting. Piriformis Syndrome can cause radiating pain down your glut and into your hamstring mimicking sciatica. Because the symptoms resemble sciatica Piriformis Syndrome is often misdiagnosed leaving a runner frustrated and with a literal pain in the ass! Overtraining, excessive speed-work, hill workouts or a leg length discrepancy can cause Piriformis Syndrome to start. Because the Piriformis muscle is instrumental in the running process once it is affected it typically worsens as distance or speed increase.