Running Injuries Specialist

Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic

Podiatrists & Foot and Ankle Surgeons located in Normal, IL & Pontiac, IL

If you’re one of the 40 million Americans who run regularly, you’re also susceptible to running injuries. Without early intervention and treatment, running injuries can keep you sidelined for weeks or even months. At Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic in Normal and Pontiac, Illinois, Craig Cortese, DPM, FACFAS, Steve Yeschek, DPM, and Carl Cortese, BS, DPM, FACFAS, treat various running injuries, including plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and knee pain. To schedule an appointment, book online, or call the nearest office today.

Running Injuries

Carl Cortese has been running since 1975 and has written many articles, lectured and held many clinics on running. His main interest was to educate runners and the public about all the aspects of running. Dr.Cortese always emphasized injury prevention. He notes to prevent running injuries the following is important : Proper training, proper running shoes, avoid overuse syndrome, be aware of how different running surfaces can cause problems proper Stretching.

 

What are running injuries?

Running is a great way to stay physically fit, but it also takes a toll on your joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. If you aren’t careful to warm up or cool down before and after a run, you’re more likely to experience an injury like a sprain, strain, or dislocation.

Research suggests that about 80% of running injuries occur due to wear-and-tear. While there’s no way to prevent these injuries entirely, there are steps you can take to significantly lower your risk.

What are some common running injuries?

The team at Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic treats a variety of common running injuries, including:

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that affects the plantar fascia, a band of fibrous tissue that runs from your toes to your heel. Regular running causes small tears to form in the plantar fascia. Over time, these tears become swollen and inflamed, resulting in chronic heel pain.

Anyone can experience plantar fasciitis, but it’s especially common in runners and people who wear shoes that don’t provide adequate support.

Shin splints

Shin splints cause sharp, shooting pain at the front of your lower legs. They occur when you increase the intensity of your workouts too quickly. Usually, shin splints go away with rest and conservative measures of care. However, If you continue to run through them, they can develop into stress fractures.

Knee pain

Knee pain, or “runner’s knee,” is an overuse injury that occurs when the muscles that surround your knee cap become weak or damaged. Pain caused by a runner’s knee ranges in severity. For some people, it’s excruciating and affects mobility; for others, it comes and goes.

How are running injuries diagnosed?

To diagnose running injuries, the team at Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and conducts a physical exam.

Your provider has you rate your pain on a scale of 1-10, asks you to perform a series of in-office exercises, and gently presses on your affected limb to check for areas of swelling, warmth, or tenderness.

If these measures aren’t enough to make a diagnosis, your provider orders diagnostic imaging like X-rays, a computed tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound,or an MRI. These screening tools allow your provider to assess the health and overall condition of your joints, bones, and connective tissue.

How are running injuries treated?

Treatment of running injuries depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your quality of life. Typically, your provider at Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic recommends conservative, noninvasive measures like:

  • Physical therapy
  • Custom orthotics
  • Exercise modifications
  • Rest and ice
  • Laser therapy

If your injury persists or doesn’t respond to these measures, surgical intervention may be necessary.
To receive treatment for running injuries, request a consultation at Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic. Schedule an appointment with the online booking tool, or call the nearest office today.