RUNNING INJURY TREATMENT IN GREENVILLE, SC
Reviewed by Dr. Michael Nelson, DC, MHRD, ATC, chiropractor and certified athletic trainer · Last updated November 2026
Most running injuries are overuse injuries: a tendon, joint or bone gets more load than it's ready for, usually after a change in mileage, pace, hills, shoes or recovery. At Carolina Active Health Chiropractic in downtown Greenville, SC, we help runners, from Swamp Rabbit Trail regulars to marathon and trail runners, find out why it hurts and build a plan to keep running when it's safe to.
Check with your provider before starting new exercises.
Running injuries we treat
- Plantar fasciitis: heel pain with your first steps in the morning
- Achilles tendinopathy: pain and stiffness at the back of the ankle
- Runner's knee and IT band pain: pain around the kneecap or on the outside of the knee
- Hip pain: outer hip, groin or buttock pain, including gluteal tendon problems
- Shin pain (shin splints), calf strains and hamstring strains
- Low back pain and sciatica that flare with running
Stop running and get checked if you have:
- pain in one spot on a bone that hurts to press or hop on (a possible stress fracture),
- pain that makes you limp or gets worse each run,
- swelling, a pop, or a joint that locks or gives way,
- pain at rest or at night, or
- numbness, tingling or weakness in the leg or foot.
What a running-injury visit includes
- A history of your training: mileage, pace, terrain, shoes, recent changes and race goals
- An exam of the injured area plus the hips, knees, ankles, feet and low back
- Strength and single-leg control testing, and a movement and biomechanical assessment when it's helpful
- In-office X-rays when they're clinically indicated, and coordination with other providers when needed
- Treatment the same day when appropriate, and a written plan for what to keep, change and progress
How we help you keep running
- Training-load plan: how far, how fast and how often you can run while you recover, and how to build back
- Strength work for runners: calves, quads, hips and trunk, with progressive rehab
- Hands-on care: chiropractic care, Active Release Technique, instrument-assisted soft-tissue therapy and dry needling
- Tendon care: shockwave therapy or laser therapy when clinically appropriate
- Support while you train: taping and practical advice on shoes and surfaces
Dr. Michael Nelson is a chiropractor and certified athletic trainer, so return-to-activity planning is a core part of how we work.
Running injury FAQs
Do I have to stop running to recover?
Not always. Many running injuries improve with a temporary change in distance, pace or terrain plus targeted strength work. Some, like a suspected stress fracture, do need time off running. Your exam tells us which.
Can a chiropractor help with running injuries?
Yes. Our care for runners combines a thorough exam, hands-on treatment, strengthening and a training-load plan. If your exam suggests something that needs imaging or another provider, we coordinate that.
Do you look at running form?
We assess how you move, including single-leg control, strength and mobility, and use a movement assessment when it's helpful. Small changes in cadence or form can reduce load on an irritated area for some runners.
Do I need new running shoes?
Sometimes. Worn-out shoes or a sudden switch to a very different shoe can contribute to injury. We'll talk through your shoes, but strength and training load usually matter more than the shoe itself.
How do I know if it's a stress fracture?
Warning signs include pain in one spot on a bone, pain that gets worse with each run or with hopping, and pain at rest or at night. If you have these, stop running and get evaluated.
Related reading
- Running form
- Running injury prevention
- Tips for running as the seasons change
- Hip mobility for runners
- Knee CARs
General information only, not a diagnosis. Individual results vary. Carolina Active Health Chiropractic · 800 E Washington St, Ste B, Greenville, SC.
