. This presents itself as cramp-like sensations which can stop you dead in your tracks. This is more difficult to treat conservatively, and although stretching and exercise can help, surgery is sometimes required. — Martin Haines, sports medicine consultant

spasm, which would obviously be counterproductive. So unless your podiatrist can demonstrate a body of evidence to support this claim, the 30-second stretches may well be more appropriate. —Martin Haines, chartered physiotherapist and sports injury

running at higher speeds. If this is the case, you can get symptoms similar to yours from the extra pressure on the nerves, which stronger muscles would normally protect.The answer in these cases is to perform stretches for the nerves. Try this stretch

for prolonged periods aggravates your pain. This is known to increase the pressure on the back. Raise these points with a chartered physiotherapist, and if indeed it proves to be nerve- or back-related, they will show you nerve stretches and establish why

to contract properly) and also mobility exercises for the spine. In addition, you need a full stretching programme for the muscles and nerves that relate to your hips and spine.—Martin Haines, chartered physiotherapist and sports injury specialist

-orientated. In this case, get a sports osteopath to mobilise the area and prescribe strengthening and stretching exercises to stabilise the pelvis in its correct position. Once this has been completed, you should be able to return to running.—Martin Haines, chartered