, muscles and bones of the legs hips and back, severe running injuries such as stress fractures, muscle tears, iliotibial band problems (involving the hip as well as the knee), Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Rheumatologists specialise

another part of his body. Cost of treatment Just as with all of these specialists, podiatrists can charge what they like, and prices vary vastly. Limited consultations can cost £15-£80, and subsequent treatments from £20-£100. Orthoses can be priced

. Avoid bed rest. Movement, even crawling on hands and knees, is better than inactivity. Backs: to the future. (Real-life solutions) Real-life stories: how two runners beat back pain Injury-Proof Your Back: five sets of everyday tips to stay pain

running injuries are related to overuse, and knee problems, especially PFPS, dominate overuse injuries. According to a two-year study of more than 2,000 runners completed in 2002 by the University of British Columbia, USA, for example, most running

UAN:213 Article type:--SymptomsYou will tend to notice a tender swelling in the hollows normally found between the patella and the lower leg. As the discomfort may be worse after runs, it may limit training.SignsYour doctor will see exactly

.SignsAn experienced practitioner should be able to put their fingers on the site of the pain, though they shouldn’t discover any acutely tender denser areas. If the cause isn’t a compartment problem, you may also notice colour changes or weakness within the leg

Q Following a partial tear in my Achilles tendon, the scar tissue thickened, resulting in stiffness, aches and swelling. I am due to have an operation to remove this scar tissue, which means that my leg will be immobilised for two weeks. I’m told

programme for the calf, quadriceps and hamstring muscles. The more freedom you have in these muscles, the more force that is actually absorbed by them, rather than by the bones of the foot and lower leg. Finally, if you are overweight in any way

appropriate running shoes by visiting a specialist retailer. You could also try shoe inserts, best recommended by a podiatrist or physiotherapist. There are some good non-prescription orthoses available – try calling Medisport for advice on AOL orthotics (0161-678

Q I’ve been running for five years with very few injuries, but recently I’ve been experiencing pain in both shins. The pain is on the inside of my legs, just off-centre. I tried resting for three weeks as suggested by my GP, but the problem