Since Covid our Oakville clinic has been treating more runners with more aches and pains. From ITB issues to Shin Splints we have treated it all. More people have been hitting the trails and streets to run and get the blood pumping, and with that our Oakville chiropractor has seen an influx in running injuries. Here is a breakdown of some of the most common running injuries and how Dr. Steve treats each diagnosis!
Also, more formally, known at Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, this condition accounts for the majority of knee pain. It is caused by an imbalance in the knee that causes the patella to track through its groove improperly. This created an irritation of the cartilage behind the kneecap and can cause pain. There are a number of biomechanical factors that contribute to this condition including over pronation of the feet/ankles, weakness of the medial (inside) knee muscles and weak glutes. Think your knee pain is coming from over pronation, get in today and see if some custom foot orthotics will get you back pumping out the miles!
Knee Pain Treatment Video:
What Our Patients Are saying
Dr. Jenn thank you for all the years looking after our family, you are nothing short of a miracle worker. Always refer friends to your practice, sorry we are moving, you will be missed. Audrey, thank you for always accommodating us on short notice and following up, lifesaver. ... read more
Shona Mindzak
December 7, 2024Dr.Steve and his team are very professional, focused. I came with severe pain in my knee, and he quickly got to the point, and in three sessions, I have recovered considerably- from not being able to walk and pain to a level of 10/10 in some positions, to being able... read more
Prashant Bhatt
November 7, 2024Dr. Steve was amazing! He listened to my issues & addressed them according. He was friendly and empathetic.
Sabrina Hasan
August 7, 2024I’ve been to Dr Steve more than once over past several years. I had severe sciatica pain stemming from lower back to right hip to all the way down to right tows. He has magical hands. His sessions healed the issue completely and now I am able to play... read more
C C
September 7, 2024Dr Jenn is great! Love her holistic approach! Not only does she do chiropractic work but also adds physio and acupuncture as needed. She has immensely helped with my back pain. She definitely has a healing touch The centre’s prices are also affordable in comparison to other places in... read more
Nida Siddiqui
December 7, 2024Another great experience, thanks for keeping me going!
Guillaume Grincourt
June 7, 2024I’ve been going to Steve and his team for chiropractic care for several years, and they have helped me tremendously. Despite living in downtown Toronto, I make the trip out to Oakville because the quality of care is truly worth it. Steve takes a holistic approach, looking at the... read more
Aman Bahl
November 7, 2024The docter and his team have been awesome. I had strong pain severe and I went to alot of other docters who chraged money heavily but did not offer single solution however this place and the team they understood first day and helped me in a great way . Initially... read more
Preet Sangha
February 6, 2025I had a neck injury, and they booked me in on the same day! Steve knew right away what to do and set out a plan to get me back to normal. Steve and the team are amazing :)
Lucija Paric
February 6, 2025
Why is your knee hurting when running?
Your knees and legs could be hurting for numerous reasons while running. From poor gait and imroper shoes to tight muscles or lack of range of motion our physiotherapy and chiroractic clinic can get you back running…fast.
The most important thing for runners you can do right now, is ice your injury and make sure you have the right shoes for your foot biomechanics.
Learn More About Oakville Orthotics Here
Runners Knee Anatomy Video:
Most Common Runners Injuries:
1. Achilles Tendinitis and Running
The Achilles in a big tendon that connects your calf muscles into your heel. When the calf muscles are put under too much stress, the tendon can become irritated. This irritation can cause pain and inflammation, and make the back of the heel during walking and/or running very painful. If you’re a new runner, have recently increased your distance, or started running hills, be on the lookout for this condition!
Treatment for Achilles Tendinitis
Our approach to Achilles tendinitis closely mirrors plantar fasciitis treatment, incorporating IFC, heat, shockwave therapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue work, shoe recommendations, and ice. Watch the video below for additional treatment insights.
4 Steps to Achilles Tendinitis Treatment:
Our approach to Achilles tendinitis closely mirrors plantar fasciitis treatment, incorporating IFC, heat, shockwave therapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue work, shoe recommendations, and ice. Watch the video below for additional treatment insights.
4 Steps to Achilles Tendinitis Treatment:
- Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) & Heat – Applied to the calf to improve circulation, loosen tissue, and reduce pain.
- Shockwave Therapy – A high-frequency, air-powered device targets the injured area, penetrating deep to accelerate healing—considered the gold standard for tendinitis treatment.
- Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy (“Scraping”) – A metal tool is used to break up adhesions and scar tissue in the Achilles and calf.
- Active Release & Trigger Point Therapy – Our specialists use hands-on techniques to relieve knots and tightness in the calves and Achilles tendon.
2. Plantar Fasciitis Treatment For Runners
If you are an over-pronator (your ankle roll inwards when weight bearing), you may be more susceptible to plantar fasciitis, especially if you are a runner. There are multiple biomechanical factors that can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, but tight calves and over pronation are two common ones!
If you aren’t already wearing good, supportive running shoes when you run, then stop what you’re doing and go get some right now. Having supportive shoes is so important when you’re training in an activity that has as much impact as running! Your feet need to be supported in order to ensure the impact forces are transferred through the foot, ankle, knee and hip properly!
Treatment for this condition will involve instruction on calf stretching and a home-exercise program to decrease irritation in the plantar fascia. Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis is very effective and our chiropractors use it often when treating this painful condition. Watch the above video on how our plantar fasciitis experts treat our runners.
Find Our Home Exercise Program For Plantar Fasciitis Here
3. ITB Syndrome (Iliotibial Band) in Runners
Are you a runner who is experiencing pain on the outside of the knee? If so – this condition might be the problem! Iliotibial band syndrome occurs when the IT Band rubs over a bony prominence on the outside of the knee. When the knee is repeatedly flexed and extended (like it is during running) it can cause inflammation and tissue irritation at the friction point.
IT Band Treatment
ITB Band treatment mimics the other running injuries at our Oakville clinic.
4 Steps to IT Band Treatment:
- Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) & Heat – Applied to the ITB and the side of the leg to improve circulation, loosen tissue, and reduce pain.
- Shockwave Therapy – A high-frequency, air-powered device targets the injured area, penetrating deep to accelerate healing—considered the gold standard for treating IT Band syndrome.
- Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy (“Scraping”) – A metal tool is used to break up adhesions and scar tissue in ITB and knee.
- Active Release & Trigger Point Therapy – Our specialists use hands-on techniques to relieve knots and tightness in the ITB, quads and hamstrings.
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Free ITB Stretches Here
4. Shin Splint Treatment — Running Injury
Shin splints or “front shin pain” is usually a result from over training, poor footwear or bad biomechanics of the legs/foot or hips. The pain is located on the inside of the front part of the lower leg. Dr. Steve and his physiotherapy team recommends shin splint injury patients to seek treatment as soon as they notice symptoms as the injury could lead to an avulsion fracture pulling a piece of bone by the affected Tibialis Anterior muscle.
Severe shin splints can lead to Anterior Compartment Syndrome, which can be a life and death situation and unfortunately cannot be treated at our clinic. If this is the case and you present with anterior compartment syndrome, we send you to OTMH right away.
What is the Best Treatment for Shin Splints Oakville?
Treatment for shin splints at our Oakville clinic involves a combination of treatments. Most patients will receive 10 – 15 minutes of Suction IFC on the affected leg. After that, Shockwave Therapy will be performed on the area of pain. ART and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue will also be performed on the injured area. If you have ever had Dr. Steve’s “scraping” you know this is relatively painful, buts Dr. Steve is conscience of his patients pain tolerance.
5. Hamstring Strains
The hamstrings help to move us forward when we run. If you’re new to running, or have recently started a more difficult running routine, your hamstrings may tighten or become strained as a result. The pain can be felt anywhere down the back of the upper leg, from right underneath the butt to the back of the knee.
Muscle release techniques, IFC, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy, acupuncture and a home exercise programs can help make your return to running easier. The hamstrings aren’t the only muscles that can become strained from running; the quads and hip flexors are also common sources of running-related pain. If you are experiencing muscle pain, come visit the clinic today!
Book An Appointment Now!
Shin Splints FAQs
- What is the best treatment for shin splints?
- Why do you get shin splints?
- What can shin splints be mistaken for?
- Is walking good for shin splints?
- How long does it take for shin splints to heal?
- How do you stretch shin splints?
The best treatment of shin splints would involve a combination of IFC, stretching, shockwave, Graston and ice.
You get shin splints from overuse or excessive force on the skin from running. This can be more pronounced when you are not wearing proper footwear or do not prepare yourself properly for a run.
Shin splints can be mistaken for compartment syndrome which is overuse from weight bearing activities.
Yes and no, you should avoid any activity while your shin splints are acute and very painful. his allows them to get the rest they need to heal, but after about a week walking is good to help loosen the calf and maintain activity.
Everyone is different ion regards to healing, so every treatment and healing trajectory is difference. Although you will usually see a difference in your shin splints after about 2-4 weeks.
You can stretch your shin splints by stretching the muscle called the anterior tibialis, which is the muscle that runs along your shin. This can be seen by pointing your toes and turning your foot inward. Also, stretch your calves too.
