Health Hub for Runners

Achilles tendinitis. This injury can occur when there is extra stress placed on the Achilles tendon — the band of tissue that links your calf muscles to your heel, during everyday or athletic activities. It can cause pain down the back of the leg and around the heel and can become swollen and inflamed. Rest, ice and stretching are some ways to treat this condition.

Plantar fasciitis. This pain affects the bottom of the heel, when the ligament on the bottom of your foot is stressed and inflamed. It can happen to people of all ages and fitness levels, though it’s most common in women. There isn’t a specific cause, but wearing supportive shoes and stretching can help prevent and treat the condition.

Shin splints. This condition causes pain and tenderness on the front and outside of the shin and is caused by excessive exercise or intense activities. To treat shin splints, you’ll need to stop the activity right away until it’s healed, plus utilize stretching exercises, ice packs and anti-inflammatory medication.

Knee ligament injuries. Knee ligaments, the bands of tough, flexible connective tissue that hold the knee together, can get injured by trauma or by sports injuries — often from twisting the knee. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most common ligament affected. Muscle-strengthening exercises, medication, knee braces or surgery can help treat this condition.