Top 3 Running Injuries (And How to Stay Ahead of Them)

Shane O'Sullivan • August 3, 2025

Expert Running Injury Treatment in West Melbourne & Ascot Vale

There’s nothing like the feeling of lacing up your runners, hitting your favourite trail, and getting into the rhythm of your run. Whether you're training for a marathon or enjoying your weekly jog around Princes Park, running is a powerful reset.


But sometimes, your body doesn’t agree. Running injuries are common — and frustrating. And whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned marathoner, no one is immune.



At Life Performance Health, we help runners stay injury-free with expert physiotherapy, cutting-edge technology, and personalised treatment plans. Below are the top 3 running injuries we see in our Melbourne clinics — plus how to treat them, prevent them, and keep running strong.


1. Shin Splints


(Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)


Shin splints are one of the most common running injuries — especially when increasing training volume or running on hard surfaces.


Common symptoms:


  • Dull ache or tenderness along the inside lower third of your shin

  • Pain that eases during a run but worsens afterward

  • Night pain or sharp pain that persists may indicate a stress fracture

Our treatment approach:


  • Objective strength testing (hip, calf, foot) using VALD technology

  • Running load analysis — frequency, terrain, volume

  • Footwear assessment and gait retraining


  • An individualised strength and rehab plan




Get expert shin splints treatment in Ascot Vale or West Melbourne by booking below:



BOOK HERE


2. Achilles Tendonitis / Tendinopathy


Achilles pain is common in runners, especially those doing hill runs or speed sessions. If managed early, it can resolve quickly — but left too long, it can lead to chronic pain.


Warning signs:


  • Stiffness or pain at the back of the ankle, especially in the morning

  • Pain that improves during your run but flares up after

  • Tenderness with calf raises or uphill running

Our treatment plan:


  • Individualised loading program — including slow, heavy calf raises

  • Calf strength testing (you need 1.5x bodyweight for safe running)

  • Adjustments to training schedule and intensity

  • Education on tendon recovery windows (~72 hours)



 Rebuild your Achilles with our running physio experts in Melbourne:


3. Plantar Fasciitis


(Heel pain in runners)


That “stone in your shoe” feeling? It could be plantar fasciitis. This injury affects the thick tissue along the bottom of your foot and can seriously slow you down if left untreated.


What to watch for:


  • Heel or arch pain when taking your first steps in the morning

  • Foot soreness after a long run or standing for hours

  • Persistent tightness or aching under the foot

How we treat it:


  • Footwear advice and taping for arch support

  • Targeted foot and calf strengthening

  • Shockwave therapy for chronic or stubborn cases

Looking for plantar fasciitis treatment in Melbourne?




See if Shockwave Therapy is Right for You

Why Runners Trust Life Performance Health


  • Running injury specialists – We treat hundreds of runners every year
  • Elite tech, local care – Force plates, gait analysis, and pressure mapping
  • Test, don’t guess – Identify hidden weaknesses causing your pain
  • Convenient locations – West Melbourne & Ascot Vale
  • Performance meets prevention – Rehab and long-term injury strategies


Ready to Run Pain-Free?

Don't wait for things to get worse. If you're dealing with a running injury — or want to prevent one — our expert physiotherapists are here to help.

Book your Running Performance Assessment today

Get a personalised plan that keeps you doing what you love


Book Online Now 

Or 

📞 Call us at (03) 9191 1280


BOOK HERE
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