slipped sideways or outwards, as when crossing a steeplechase hurdle. Because the muscles stabilise the hip, continued running will be painful.SignsThere may be a tender swelling where the muscle was injured, and any action which holds the knees together

exercise, or you’ll feel a sudden, stabbing pain in the knee while running, which eases off when you rest. Sitting with your knees bent prior to a race can make things worse, as can running on hills or hard surfaces.SignsDespite the acute pain, your joint

excessive uphill running, in which the tibialis anterior muscle expands and may produce fluid which stretches the compartment sheath. Signs An experienced sports physician will locate the pain between the tibia and fibula and may sense increased pressure

afterwards. The aspirin is absorbed into the irritated area and is very effective at calming the inflammation. —Dr Patrick Milroy, RW Medical Advisor.

operations have their proponents; none prevents some disability in terms of mechanical efficiency, but all should leave you pain-free! Meanwhile, anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone injections, mobilisation and exercises will give some relief.Can you run

-ray or scan.Self-treatmentIf you avoid pressure you will ease the pain, so bigger shoes, soft padding, or avoiding heel backs by using sandals or running without shoes can help. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets and ice are the other staple treatments

-enthusiastic.Can you run through it?/Recovery timeOne to four weeks, depending on the severity of the tear. The risks of worsening the injury are far greater than any benefit you might obtain from running through it.

in discomfort, which will increase your range of painless movement.Medical treatmentSevere cases which are not helped by short-wave diathermy rely upon surgery to create either a completely stiff or completely free and mechanically useless joint.Can you run

bed is a drastic but definitive solution.Can you run through it? You may be able to run if you wear shoes with plenty of toe space to prevent pressure and pain. You should definitely avoid racing until the condition has been cleared up. Without

are sometimes used to control the condition. A small number of people require surgical removal of the scarred area of tendon before they recover fully.Can you run through it?/Recovery timeAlthough it varies, recovery is likely to take months rather than weeks