Q I am a 50-year-old runner, and I’ve averaged 20-40 miles a week for the last 25 years. A year ago – just after completing some sit-ups – I starting getting severe back pain around my mid-spine, which extended around the chest and into the abdomen. This has been diagnosed as wo...
Q If I try to run any further than a mile, my left calf tightens up and cramps very quickly. Its so painful I simply have to stop. As you can imagine, Im at my wits end, whats wrong?A Pain in the calves can be caused by many different conditions. The lower back, and the ner...
Q Until two years ago I ran three times a week on woodland trails, but have recently joined colleagues for lunchtime runs, mainly on pavements. Since then Ive experienced pain in both legs from just below my calf muscle to the Achilles tendon, particularly during faster session...
Q Ive been suffering from pain in my right calf for a couple of weeks. I rest for a few days and then run, but I cant seem to shake it off. How long should I rest for, and are there any exercises I can do to speed recovery?A With any injury to any part of the body you have to...
Q I was on target for a time of around 3:30 after 20 miles of this year’s Flora London Marathon, when I was hit by cramp. It started at the top of one leg, but soon moved to both legs. Half a mile from the finish, my legs locked completely and I hobbled home distraught and way o...
Q Why is it that almost exactly 48 hours after a long training run, and particularly after completing a marathon, my leg muscles hurt most? If the race is on Sunday, then I always dread Tuesday because I cannot walk down the stairs without adopting an unusual gait, and my thighs ...
Q My middle toe on my left foot curls downwards and under my second largest toe so that when I run, the bigger toe pushes down onto it. This is rather painful. A physiotherapist told me that the problem could be caused by my flat arches, but the orthoses they prescribed dont se...
Q Im an overweight beginner who can now run three to four miles every other day at a steady 10 minute/mile pace. But a few years ago I suffered fallen arches, which caused quite considerable pain. My GP recommended arch supports, which I stopped using when the pain diminished. ...
Q Ive been told by my GP that Im suffering from Policemans Heel, which he said is the same as plantar fasciitis. Ive had it for three months now, and despite trying painkillers and supports in my shoes it hasnt improved. Now Im having acupuncture is this a waste of time?...
Q While gardening, I managed to get a hernia in my groin. Ive been told it could be up to nine months before I can start running again. Will I really be out for this long?A Its difficult to say without the opportunity to assess your individual case but unfortunately its ce...
