Common Running Injuries and How a Podiatrist Can Help
Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise worldwide—and for good reason. It’s accessible, effective, and a great way to maintain cardiovascular health. But with the repeated impact that comes with every stride, running also places significant stress on your feet and lower limbs. It’s no surprise that foot and ankle injuries are some of the most common reasons runners seek help from a podiatrist.
At KL Foot Specialist Podiatry, we work with runners of all levels—from casual joggers to competitive athletes—to treat, manage and prevent injuries that can sideline your progress. Here’s a breakdown of the most common running-related injuries we treat and how we can help.
Plantar Fasciitis
What is it:
Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes.
Symptoms:
Sharp pain under the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after sitting
Pain that worsens after running or standing for long periods
Causes:
Poor foot biomechanics (like flat feet or high arches)
Unsupportive or worn-out running shoes
Rapid increase in mileage or intensity
How we help:
Custom foot orthotics to offload the plantar fascia
DolorClast® Shockwave and High Power Laser Therapy for inflammation and pain
Stretching and strengthening programs
Gait assessment and footwear advice
Achilles Tendinopathy
What is it:
Micro-tears or degeneration in the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone.
Symptoms:
Pain and stiffness in the back of the heel or lower calf
Worse with running, jumping, or climbing stairs
Tenderness and thickening of the tendon
Causes:
Sudden increase in running intensity
Poor ankle mobility or tight calves
Incorrect footwear or lack of recovery
How we help:
Calf-strengthening and stretching routines
DolorClast® Shockwave Therapy to promote healing
Custom orthotics to reduce strain on the tendon
Stress Fractures
What is it:
Small cracks in the bone due to repetitive impact, commonly in the metatarsals (forefoot), navicular (midfoot), or heel bone.
Symptoms:
Gradual onset of pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
Localised tenderness and swelling
Pain when pressing directly on the affected bone
Causes:
Overtraining or sudden increase in load
Poor running mechanics
Low bone density or nutritional deficiencies
How we help:
Diagnosis via clinical exam and referral for imaging
Offloading support with footwear, moon boots or orthotics
Identifying and addressing biomechanical issues
Training modification advice for safe return to sport
Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
What is it:
Pain around or behind the kneecap, often related to poor foot mechanics affecting knee alignment.
Symptoms:
Dull ache around the front of the knee
Pain with running, squatting, or going downstairs
Clicking or grinding sounds at the knee
Causes:
Flat feet or overpronation
Muscle imbalances in the hips, glutes or quadriceps
Poor running form
How we help:
Gait and posture assessments
Orthotics to correct foot and leg alignment
Strength and stability exercises
Referral for physiotherapy if required
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints)
What is it:
Inflammation of the muscles and tissues around the tibia (shin bone), often due to repetitive stress.
Symptoms:
Dull, aching pain on the inside of the lower leg
Pain that worsens during or after running
Tenderness along the shin
Causes:
Flat feet or unsupportive footwear
Overtraining
Running on hard surfaces
How we help:
Custom orthotics for shock absorption and arch support
Soft tissue therapy and stretching programs
Training load management advice
Footwear assessments
IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome)
What it is:
Inflammation of the IT band, a fibrous band that runs from your hip to the outside of your knee.
Symptoms:
Pain on the outside of the knee, especially after a few kilometres into a run
Worsens with downhill running or prolonged exercise
Often accompanied by tight glutes or hips
Causes:
Overuse, poor hip strength or running on uneven terrain
Excessive foot pronation
Poor footwear or training errors
How we help:
Gait and posture assessment
Orthotics if foot mechanics are contributing
Gluteal and hip strengthening
Foam rolling and stretching routines
Why Choose a Podiatrist for Running Injuries?
As experts in lower limb biomechanics, podiatrists are uniquely positioned to assess, diagnose and treat the root causes of running injuries—not just the symptoms.
At KL Foot Specialist Podiatry, we take a comprehensive approach to treatment, looking at everything from your foot posture and gait to your training routine, footwear, and recovery practices. Our goal is not just to get you back on your feet, but to help you run stronger, longer, and pain-free.
Need Help With a Running Injury?
Whether you're nursing a nagging heel pain or dealing with a more serious injury, don’t push through the pain. Book an appointment with our friendly team at KL Foot Specialist Podiatry today and let’s get you back on track—literally!
Online bookings available
Serving runners across Malaysia
Prevention, diagnosis and recovery tailored to your feet