Running hurts.
But is the painful area
really the whole problem?
Knee pain, Achilles discomfort, hip pain or recurring foot problems can make running frustrating.
At Yokohama Physio, we look beyond the location of pain. We assess relevant physical findings, running demands and movement to develop rehabilitation tailored to the individual.
Where does running hurt?
Running-related symptoms can affect different parts of the body. Understanding when they appear and how they respond to training is an important first step.
Knee pain while running
Pain around the kneecap, outside of the knee or elsewhere during running and after training.
Achilles and calf symptoms
Achilles stiffness, tendon discomfort or recurring calf tightness during running.
Hip and buttock pain
Groin, lateral hip or buttock discomfort associated with running or increasing training load.
Foot and ankle pain
Heel, arch, forefoot or ankle symptoms that limit running distance or intensity.
There is no single perfect running technique. There is a runner in front of us.
Not every unusual movement pattern causes injury, and not every runner benefits from changing their technique. We first look at the individual's symptoms, physical capacity, training history and goals before deciding what may be worth changing.
Why does the same running pain keep returning?
Running places repeated demands on muscles, tendons, bones and joints. Pain can develop when those demands exceed the body's current ability to tolerate them.
Training volume, intensity, hills, recovery, previous injury and physical capacity may all contribute.
In some cases, running technique may influence how loading is distributed. However, identifying an unusual movement does not prove it is causing pain.
We examine these possibilities together to determine which factors are relevant to your presentation.
Questions worth asking
- When did the pain start?
- Has your running volume or intensity changed?
- Does pain appear at a particular distance?
- How do symptoms respond the next day?
- Are strength, mobility or movement factors relevant?
- What running goal are you working towards?
Strengthening is important when capacity is insufficient. But exercise alone may not address a sudden increase in training load or other aggravating demands. The rehabilitation strategy should reflect the problem being treated.
We don't just watch how you run. We ask why it matters.
Running observation can be useful when considered alongside your symptoms, strength, mobility, training history and relevant physical findings.
Understand your running
We discuss your pain, running history, weekly training, previous injuries, footwear and goals.
Examine movement and capacity
We assess relevant strength, mobility, functional movement and running mechanics where appropriate and feasible.
Explore useful changes
Where clinically appropriate, we explore modifications to movement, technique or loading and assess the response.
Running gait assessment is not about identifying a universal ideal technique. Its purpose is to help understand your movement and whether specific changes could be useful in the context of your symptoms. The form of gait analysis used will depend on your needs and available clinical facilities.
Helping you return to running with confidence.
Rehabilitation is individualised to your diagnosis, physical demands and goals.
Training-load management
Adjusting running volume, intensity, frequency or terrain to match current tolerance.
Strength and conditioning
Progressive exercises to improve relevant physical capacity and prepare the body for running demands.
Movement and technique
Considering individual movement strategies, with gait modifications where appropriate rather than automatically changing technique.
Return-to-running plan
A gradual progression towards your preferred distance, pace and running goals, guided by symptoms and recovery.
Depending on the diagnosis, modified running may be possible during rehabilitation. However, suspected bone stress injuries and other higher-risk conditions may require protection, further investigation or a temporary break from impact activity.
Can the right running shoe fix your injury?
Running shoes can influence comfort and loading, and footwear preferences differ between runners.
But there is no single shoe that prevents all running injuries. Choosing shoes based solely on a gait label or foot shape may overlook other relevant factors.
We consider your symptoms, running demands, current footwear and comfort before discussing whether a change may help.
What we consider
- Your current shoes and comfort
- Training surface and distance
- Relevant symptoms and medical history
- Recent footwear or training changes
- Whether changing shoes is actually necessary
Clinical experience. A movement-focused approach.
BHSc Physiotherapy / BSc Sports & Recreation
15+ years of clinical experience
My approach to running-related injuries is to examine the painful area, assess relevant movement and physical capacity, and understand the demands placed on the runner.
Rather than immediately prescribing a new technique or a list of strengthening exercises, I want to understand which factors are relevant for the individual.
Learn More About Yuji ↗Questions about running injuries
Do I need to change my running technique?
Not necessarily. There is no single ideal technique for every runner. Certain modifications may help specific symptoms, but they should be based on the individual's assessment and goals.
Can gait analysis identify the cause of my running injury?
Gait analysis may help identify movement characteristics and potential strategies to explore, but it cannot independently establish the cause of every injury. Clinical assessment and training history remain important.
Should I stop running if I have pain?
It depends on the diagnosis and severity. Some runners can continue with modified training, while others need temporary rest from running or medical assessment. Suspected bone stress injuries should not be managed simply by running through pain.
Is heel striking bad for running?
No foot-strike pattern is universally bad. Heel striking does not automatically mean a runner is injured or needs correction. Changing foot strike also redistributes loading and can create new demands on the calf and Achilles tendon.
Can running shoes reduce my pain?
Different shoes can change comfort and loading, and certain changes may help some runners. However, footwear alone does not address every running-related problem.
Can you help me prepare for a marathon?
We can discuss training-related symptoms, physical preparation, appropriate loading and rehabilitation goals for runners preparing for longer distances, including marathons.
What happens during my initial consultation?
We discuss your running history, symptoms and goals, assess relevant physical and movement factors, and provide treatment or exercise guidance where appropriate. If you specifically want running gait analysis, please mention this when booking so we can discuss what the appointment can include.
Severe or progressive pain, inability to bear weight, significant swelling after trauma, or focal bone pain that raises concern for a stress fracture warrants prompt assessment. This page provides general information, not a diagnosis.
Let's understand what's affecting your running.
Whether you're returning from injury, experiencing recurring pain or looking for guidance on your running mechanics, start with an individual consultation at Yokohama Physio.
Book Initial Consultation ↗