and rotation of your foot. Do three sets of 12–15 repetitions of each every day.In addition, you lose proprioception in a joint that has been injured and immobilised. This means the cells in the ankle that would normally tell your brain where the joint

. (This may not need to be worn forever, as the body readjusts itself very well after 8-12 weeks.)However, whatever your problem, a long-term injury-management plan is essential to your rehabilitation. Identifying possible problem areas before they develop

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

Q I’ve been running for over 20 years now, but have noticed that I’ve become much more susceptible to blisters. I don’t think I’m doing anything differently, so could my age have something to do with my sore feet?A This is a problem

Q If I try to run any further than a mile, my left calf tightens up and cramps very quickly. It’s so painful I simply have to stop. As you can imagine, I’m at my wit’s end, what’s wrong?A Pain in the calves can be caused by many different

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

, tenderness at the base of the heel that increases with movement and even swelling.Plantar fasciitis, on the other hand, is a condition affecting the plantar fascia, a long fibrous structure that runs from the heel towards the ball of the foot. Sufferers

to reduce back pain – www.backcare.org.uk 020 8977 5474The Pain Society; Information on pain management clinics, 020 7631 8870Pain Relief Foundation; Information on chronic pain, 0151 523 1486Chartered Society of Physiotherapy; 020 7306 6620British

, continuing to breathe deeply and focusing on your technique. Perform 10-20 reps. This exercise aims to stretch the muscles that can tighten the lower back while strengthening the abdominal muscles.Get back on trackThe road to running again begins when you

. Injury, in the form of a rupture, may be due to an accident in everyday life, or as a result of sporting trauma. If a tear occurs, nine times out of 10 it will be in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).SymptomsYou are likely to have twisted your knee