Running injuries can affect anyone, from experienced runners who push themselves hard to beginners whose muscles are not used to running

Below are five of the most common running injuries. Find out how to spot the symptoms, what causes the injuries and what to do if you get one, including when to get medical help. Being injured can dent your motivation, so we’ve also included tips on prevent injuries, and how to get yourself up and running again once you’ve recovered. Whatever your injury, it’s important to listen to your body. Don’t run if you’re in pain and only start running again when recovered sufficiently.
Knee Pain
During your run, you may develop pain at the front of the knee, around the knee or behind the kneecap. The pain may be dull or it could be sharp and severe. To help knee pain at home, Andy recommends applying ice to the knee and stretching. Hold ice (try a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp tea towel) on the painful area for around 20 minutes a few times a day. Never put ice directly on your skin. To stretch the area, its recommended lying on your side with your bad leg on top. Bend your top leg so that your foot goes back towards your bottom, then hold it there
with your hand and keep both knees touching. Hold the stretch for at least 45 seconds, breathing deeply and feeling the stretch in the thigh. Repeat this around six times a day. If the pain is severe or the knee is swollen, see your GP straight away. If your knee pain is not severe, stop running and get it checked by a GP or physiotherapist if the pain doesn’t go away after a week. They can also recommend stretches or exercises to help you recover. Don’t run if you have pain in your knee. If you still feel pain after a week’s rest, see your GP or physiotherapist. How soon you can start running again will depend on the cause of your knee pain and how severe it is.
Achilles Pain
The Achilles tendon is the tough, rubbery cord at the back of the ankle that links the muscle to the bone. Regular running can cause wear and tear to the tendon over time. You may have pain and swelling at the back of the ankle or heel. The pain may be minor but continuous, or it could be sudden and sharp. It may be worse first thing in the morning. To treat Achilles pain at home, Its recommended applying ice to the area if you can feel a lump there (never put ice directly on your skin). You can also gently massage the area with your fingers. You could also try using heel wedges in your shoes. Get advice about this from a sports or running shop. See your GP or a physiotherapist if you have Achilles pain that doesn’t disappear after three to four weeks. If you have a sudden, sharp pain, your Achilles tendon may have torn. See your GP straight away if this is the case. A sharp pain will stop you running altogether. Even if the pain is not severe, it’s a good idea to rest until the pain goes, and get it checked if it doesn’t go away.

Shin Pain
Shin pain occurs on the front of the leg, below the knee. It’s often referred to as shin splints. Runners are often aware of a dull pain in the shin but carry on running. However, this can cause increasing damage to the area, which can lead to a sudden sharp pain that stops you running altogether. Pain can be relieved by applying ice to the area regularly for the first few days (never put ice directly on your skin). See your GP or a physiotherapist if the area is swollen, the pain is severe or it does not improve in two to three weeks. Shin pain is likely to stop you running
altogether. Take a break for two to three weeks before beginning again slowly.
Heel Pain
Pain or swelling in the heel or bottom of the foot can occur if you suddenly start doing a lot more running, if you run uphill or if your shoes aren’t supportive enough or are worn out. The medical name for heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Heel pain is often sharp and occurs when you put weight on the heel. It can feel like someone is sticking something sharp in your heel, or as if you’re walking on sharp stones. Its recommended applying ice to the area for about 20 minutes. Never place ice directly on your skin. There are also several stretches you can do to help heel pain. Stop running and see your GP straight away if there is a lot of swelling in the heel or the area under your foot. Otherwise, see your GP after a week to 10 days if the pain doesn’t go away. You won’t be able to run with heel pain. If you treat the pain early enough, it will normally go away in two to three weeks, after which you should be able to start running again.
Muscle Strains
The most common strains due to running are in the hamstring muscles (which run down the back of the thigh) or calf muscles. Strains often affect new runners, whose muscles are not used to running. The pain of a muscle strain is often sudden and feels as if someone has kicked you in the area of your calf or hamstring. Most strains can be treated at home. Stop running immediately and apply ice to the painful area for around 20 minutes a few times a day (don’t put ice directly on your skin). Keeping your leg elevated and supported with a pillow will help reduce swelling. You won’t be able to run with a muscle strain. The time it takes for a strain to heal and for you to start running again varies from two weeks to around six months, depending on how severe the muscle strain is.