5 Common Running Injuries We See at The Movement Clinic—and How We Treat Them

Running is one of the most accessible and rewarding forms of exercise, but it’s also one of the most common sources of repetitive stress injuries. Whether you’re a weekend jogger or a seasoned marathoner, pain doesn’t have to be part of the process. At The Movement Clinic in Pasadena, we help runners overcome injury, optimize movement, and stay in the game for the long haul.

In this blog, we’re breaking down five of the most common running injuries we treat — and exactly how our physical therapy team helps runners recover, rebuild, and return stronger.

READ: The Connection Between Core Strength and Athletic Performance

1. Plantar Fasciitis: When Every Step Hurts

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common running-related injuries we treat at The Movement Clinic. It typically shows up as sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially during those first few steps in the morning or after long runs. This condition occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of your foot (the plantar fascia) becomes irritated or inflamed.

Left unaddressed, it can sideline your running routine for weeks or even months. That’s why our treatment focuses not only on relieving pain but also correcting the root cause. We start with a thorough assessment of your foot mechanics, running gait, and mobility. Then we use hands-on techniques, targeted strengthening, and custom movement retraining to help you get back to running pain-free, and stay that way.

2. Shin Splints: The Nagging Pain That Doesn’t Go Away

Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are a frustratingly common issue for new and seasoned runners alike. The pain typically runs along the inside of the shin and often flares up during or after high-impact activities, like running on hard surfaces or increasing mileage too quickly.

At The Movement Clinic, we look beyond just the pain location. Shin splints are often a symptom of deeper issues such as poor running mechanics, weak hip stabilizers, or worn-out footwear. Our approach begins with identifying movement imbalances, followed by personalized interventions that might include soft tissue work, gait retraining, and strength programming.

READ: Breaking Down Biomechanics: How Small Adjustments Improve Performance

The goal is long-term resilience so shin splints don’t keep coming back.

3. IT Band Syndrome: Lateral Knee Pain in Distance Runners

If you’re a runner and you’ve ever felt a sharp, aching pain on the outside of your knee, there’s a good chance you were dealing with IT band syndrome. This condition is common among distance runners and is usually caused by friction where the iliotibial band crosses the lateral knee.

The pain often starts during longer runs and can become more persistent over time. At The Movement Clinic, we approach IT band issues by assessing your hip strength, glute function, and overall movement mechanics. It’s rarely just about the band itself, it’s about what’s causing the tension and friction in the first place.

We use a combination of manual therapy, hip and core strengthening, and movement retraining to resolve the issue and reduce the risk of recurrence.

4. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Pain Behind the Kneecap

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), sometimes called “runner’s knee,” shows up as a dull, aching pain behind or around the kneecap, especially during squats, stairs, or prolonged running. It’s often caused by poor tracking of the kneecap due to muscle imbalances, improper running form, or tightness in the hips and ankles.

At The Movement Clinic, we treat PFPS with a targeted, movement-based approach. We assess how your knees track during movement, evaluate your hip and core strength, and check for mobility restrictions that might be altering your running mechanics.

Treatment typically includes hands-on therapy, neuromuscular retraining, and strength exercises designed to restore balance, improve control, and eliminate pain without cutting back your mileage longer than necessary.

5. Achilles Tendinopathy: When Calf Power Turns to Pain

Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse injury among runners, especially those who ramp up mileage or intensity too quickly. It usually presents as stiffness or pain at the back of the heel, particularly with running, jumping, or even walking after periods of rest.

READ: How Poor Movement Patterns Lead to Injuries (And How to Fix Them)

Unlike a sudden tear, Achilles tendinopathy is a progressive condition. That’s why early intervention is key. At The Movement Clinic, we start by evaluating your calf strength, ankle mobility, and running form. Our treatment plan often includes eccentric loading exercises, soft tissue mobilization, and progressive return-to-run protocols.

The goal? Restore tendon health, reduce inflammation, and rebuild strength so you can run with confidence and without setbacks.

Why Runners in Pasadena Trust The Movement Clinic

At The Movement Clinic, we understand runners, because we work with them every day. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or your tenth marathon, we know how to tailor treatment to your unique mechanics, mileage, and goals. Our physical therapists specialize in movement-focused care that’s rooted in science and personalized for long-term performance.

We don’t just treat the pain, we look at the patterns that caused it. That means assessing everything from stride mechanics to strength imbalances, and creating plans that help you recover and prevent re-injury.

With a runner-specific approach to physical therapy in Pasadena, we’re here to help you move smarter, recover faster, and stay on the road longer.

Don’t Push Through the Pain—Get the Right Care

Running through pain might seem like part of the sport, but it doesn’t have to be. At The Movement Clinic, we help runners address the root cause of injury with personalized care that restores strength, mobility, and confidence.

If you’re struggling with any of the injuries listed above, or just want to stay ahead of future setbacks, we’re here to help.

Book a consultation or explore our runner-specific physical therapy services to get started.