, it's difficult to compare like with like." Another study, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, which used a more 'real life' scenario of three massages a week for 10 weeks on one leg of study subjects and no treatment on the other leg

will charge around £30 for an hour-long first consultation, with £15 for further 30-minute visits. At present treatment is not available on the NHS. Contact The Fellowship of Sports Masseurs and Therapists; 01707 873698; Massage Therapy UK www.massagetherapy.co.uk

Need to save a sole in distress? Massaging your legs may soothe a sore plantar fascia - the band of tissue that runs along the sole of your foot. "The plantar shares an attachment site with your calf muscles in the calcaneus [heel] bone," explains

, making massage a helpful remedy. Try 10 minutes of massage on alternate days for a week, and see how this affects your pain when running. As the symptoms are in both calves, the problem could also stem from your back – whether you have symptoms of back

Recovery activity 0-10 minutes Walk slowly. "It prevents blood from pooling in your legs, which can cause light-headedness," says Janet Hamilton, author of Running Strong & Injury Free. 10-15 minutes Drink 250-500ml of sports drink

off. I’ve fitted an orthosis in my left cycling shoe, and heel raises in my running shoes. I mainly run off-road and do plenty of static stretches, along with stretches over a step, and massage the tendon. But it still hurts – what can I do?A Your

process before you opt for surgery: lots of heavy soft-tissue massage; stretching your calf muscles; specific gym exercises, such as calf presses; plyometric exercises for the ankle muscles; and balance and coordination exercises. There are no guarantees

overloaded, and will become inflamed and tender. The best way to manage this on your own is to avoid running consistently on a camber and revert to your original type of terrain. As for treatment, ice and massage will help with the aching symptoms. Of course

appropriate running shoes by visiting a specialist retailer. You could also try shoe inserts, best recommended by a podiatrist or physiotherapist. There are some good non-prescription orthoses available – try calling Medisport for advice on AOL orthotics (0161-678

massage, physiotherapists or gait analysis It costs just £125 and you can register online. Find out more about the RW Personal Trainer here.