If you’re a runner, then leg pain can be a frustrating problem that inhibits your favorite form of exercise. There are numerous reasons why you may experience leg pain when running. Pain may be signaling irritation of your nerves, muscular damage, inflammation or more. The legs, like your other extremities, are complicated parts of the body held together by numerous intricate structures. The good news is that most of the causes of leg pain can be treated by a physical therapist.
Are you wondering why you feel leg pain when running? Here are four reasons why your legs hurt when you go on a run.
Four reasons why you may experience leg pain when running
- Achilles tendinitis — The Achilles tendon is a fibrous band of connective tissue that connects the calf to the heel. If you’re an intense runner, you can actually cause inflammation of the Achilles tendon, a condition that is known as tendinitis. Continuing to run can cause further damage to the tendon, but seeking professional help can help you get back to running with confidence.
- Shin splint — This condition is known as a cumulative stress disorder because it happens over time. The impact of consistent running on hard surfaces can cause stress on your shinbones that eventually results in shin splints. If shin splints get bad enough, they can turn into stress fractures.
- Stress fracture — If you experience pain in your shins even after you’ve stopped running, then you may have a stress fracture. These are small cracks in the bone that can be extremely painful but usually fully heal within a few months.
- Ankle sprain — Twisting your ankle or landing awkwardly while running can result in a sprain. Technically, a sprain occurs when the ligaments are overstretched or even torn. If you remember rolling your ankle, you can experience pain while running if the sprain hasn’t fully healed yet.
Are you eager to start running again? Panther Physical Therapy can get you back on track
If you’re counting the days until you can get your running shoes back on, our team understands. We have years of experience in treating sports injuries and other conditions caused by running. Our physical therapists at Panther PT are prepared to build you a personalized treatment plan to get you running again without the pain.
Contact our team today for more information about leg pain when running or to schedule an initial appointment.