-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

, if this proves to be unsatisfactory, you’ll need to see a specialist physiotherapist in running injuries.—Martin Haines, chartered physiotherapist and sports-injury specialist

Q I’ve had knee pain for a few months now. My GP has explained that the patella has moved out of line and that I am experiencing bone grinding on bone when I run. Now it’s got worse, but my GP is in no hurry to refer me to a specialist, saying

pain or not. If these suggestions do not have any lasting effect, it may be worth finding a sports therapist who specialises in the treatment of backs, and who has an understanding of adverse neural tension. —Martin Haines, chartered physiotherapist

. —Martin Haines, chartered physiotherapist and sports injury specialist

that your Achilles will be better after the operation, and it’s even possible it could get worse. Thankfully, though, this is the exception rather than the rule. —Martin Haines, chartered physiotherapist and sports-injury specialist

at the moment, if you were ever to get any pain in your knee, it would be worth asking your GP to check for these possible problems at the same time.—Martin Haines, chartered physiotherapist and sports-injury specialist

, then perhaps you should consider this if you want to have a chance of a long-term, uninterrupted running career.—Martin Haines, chartered physiotherapist and sports injury specialist

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

. 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