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Running Injuries Treatment in Dublin

By Dr Lawrence Woods

Running injuries are common. In a large review, about 4 in 10 runners had a running-related injury, and the most common included Achilles tendinopathy, shin pain, kneecap pain and plantar fasciitis [1]. This page explains why running injuries happen, what the research shows about getting back to running, and how we approach running injury treatment at our clinic in Monkstown, Co. Dublin.

Why do running injuries happen?

Most running injuries build up gradually. They often follow a change that asks more of your body than it is ready for, such as running further or more often, adding hills or speed work, a new surface, or new shoes. Tendons and bones adapt to running more slowly than your heart and lungs do, so it is easy to do too much too soon.

People who are new to running, or returning after a break, have the highest injury rates. One review found about 18 injuries per 1,000 hours of running in novice runners, compared with about 8 in more experienced recreational runners [2].

Common running injuries we see

What does the research show for running injury treatment?

Modify running rather than stop

For many tendon problems, complete rest is not needed. The US physiotherapy guideline for Achilles tendinopathy advises against complete rest [5]. In a Swedish trial, people with Achilles tendinopathy who carried on running, guided by their pain, did as well as those who rested [6]. We use a simple rule: some discomfort during a run is usually fine if it settles within 24 hours and is not getting worse week to week [6].

Strength work

Progressive strength exercise is the main treatment for most tendon problems in runners [5][7]. For patellar tendinopathy, heavy slow strength training worked as well as painful decline squats in one trial, with better satisfaction [8], and a staged programme that builds up to jumping and running did slightly better than decline squats at 24 weeks in another [9]. Programmes usually need at least 12 weeks.

Running technique

Taking slightly shorter, quicker steps (increasing your step rate by 5 to 10%) reduces the load on your knees and hips [10]. It has not been proven to prevent or treat injuries, but it can be a useful change for some runners with knee or hip pain.

Shockwave and laser

The evidence for shockwave and laser varies a lot by condition. For some running injuries, such as Achilles and patellar tendinopathy, the research does not support them as add-ons to exercise [11][12]. See each condition page for details, and our shockwave therapy page.

How we approach running injuries in Dublin

Our clinic in Monkstown, Co. Dublin is led by Dr Lawrence Woods, a chiropractor with over 30 years' experience, and Kate Ryan, a CORU-registered Chartered Physiotherapist and member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP), who has a special interest in running injuries and tendinopathy.

  • Assessment first. Your first visit is an assessment, which includes a first treatment if it is suitable. We look at your injury, your strength and your training history.
  • A plan to keep you running where possible. A strength programme and a running plan that you can follow, building back gradually.
  • A review at your sixth visit. We check your progress against your goals. If you are not improving, we will say so and talk about other options, including referral.

Questions about running injuries

When can I run again?

It depends on the injury. For most tendon problems, you can keep running at a reduced level while you build strength. We will help you build back up, adding distance before speed and hills.

Do I need new running shoes?

Sometimes a change helps, but there is no one best shoe for everyone. A sudden change of shoes can itself bring on symptoms, so change gradually.

Can I see you without a GP referral?

Yes, you can book directly. After your assessment, we may refer you to your GP if you need further tests.

If you would like an assessment, you can book an appointment, start with our online questionnaire, or contact us with any questions.

Sources

  1. Kakouris N, Yener N, Fong DTP (2021). A systematic review of running-related musculoskeletal injuries in runners. Journal of Sport and Health Science 10(5):513–522. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2021.04.001
  2. Videbæk S, Bueno AM, Nielsen RO, Rasmussen S (2015). Incidence of running-related injuries per 1000 h of running in different types of runners: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine 45(7):1017–1026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0333-8
  3. NHS (2025). Hip pain. NHS website. Page last reviewed 20 November 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hip-pain/
  4. HSE (2024). Heel pain. Health Service Executive, Ireland. Page last reviewed 13 October 2024. https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/heel-pain/
  5. Chimenti RL, Neville C, Houck J, et al. (2024). Achilles pain, stiffness, and muscle power deficits: midportion Achilles tendinopathy revision – 2024. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 54(12):CPG1–CPG32. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2024.0302
  6. Silbernagel KG, Thomeé R, Eriksson BI, Karlsson J (2007). Continued sports activity, using a pain-monitoring model, during rehabilitation in patients with Achilles tendinopathy: a randomized controlled study. American Journal of Sports Medicine 35(6):897–906. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546506298279
  7. Mellor R, Bennell K, Grimaldi A, et al. (2018). Education plus exercise versus corticosteroid injection use versus a wait and see approach on global outcome and pain from gluteal tendinopathy: prospective, single blinded, randomised clinical trial. BMJ 361:k1662. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k1662
  8. Kongsgaard M, Kovanen V, Aagaard P, et al. (2009). Corticosteroid injections, eccentric decline squat training and heavy slow resistance training in patellar tendinopathy. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports 19(6):790–802. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.00949.x
  9. Breda SJ, Oei EHG, Zwerver J, et al. (2021). Effectiveness of progressive tendon-loading exercise therapy in patients with patellar tendinopathy: a randomised clinical trial. British Journal of Sports Medicine 55(9):501–509. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-103403
  10. Heiderscheit BC, Chumanov ES, Michalski MP, et al. (2011). Effects of step rate manipulation on joint mechanics during running. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 43(2):296–302. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181ebedf4
  11. Korakakis V, Kotsifaki A, Sotiralis Y, et al. (2026). Shockwave therapy for midportion and insertional Achilles tendinopathy: a nail in the coffin? A systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 56(5):282–299. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2026.13985
  12. Thijs KM, Zwerver J, Backx FJG, et al. (2017). Effectiveness of shockwave treatment combined with eccentric training for patellar tendinopathy: a double-blinded randomized study. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine 27(2):89–96. https://doi.org/10.1097/JSM.0000000000000332