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As spring marathon season approaches, training loads increase and so does injury incidence.
While many running-related complaints can be managed conservatively, some conditions carry more serious implications if not recognised and addressed early.
Below are few running-related conditions where timely imaging and orthopaedic assessment can significantly affect whether your patients make it to the start line.
1. Femoral Neck Stress Fracture
Often presenting as deep groin pain, this is a high-risk stress injury. Delayed diagnosis can lead to displacement and significant morbidity. Early MRI and protected weight-bearing are essential.
2. Tibial Stress Fracture
Anterior cortex stress injuries, in particular, are prone to delayed union or non-union if missed. Persistent focal tibial pain needs immediate imaging and careful management.
3. Achilles Tendon Tear or Severe Tendinopathy
If you suspect an achilles tendon tear or if conservative management is still not shifting Achilles tendinopathy, then referring for ultrasound or MRI can help guide loading strategies or surgical consideration.
4. Proximal Hamstring Tendon Avulsion
Often misdiagnosed as a simple hamstring strain, significant weakness, bruising and sitting pain should raise suspicion. Early imaging allows timely surgical discussion where appropriate.
5. Meniscal Root Tear
Runners presenting with acute joint line pain and swelling, particularly with mechanical symptoms, may have a root tear. Left untreated, this can accelerate degenerative change in the knee, and needs to be diagnosed early – MRI is the best option to get an accurate diagnosis.
6. Osteochondral Injury of the Talus
Persistent ankle pain after a “simple sprain” may conceal a cartilage injury. Early MRI and specialist input will improve long-term joint outcomes.
For referrers, the key message is that persistent pain, night pain, mechanical symptoms, focal bony tenderness, or failure to improve with load modification are red flags that merit further investigation.
At London Bridge Orthopaedics, we pride ourselves on a holistic, patient-centred approach to care.
Our consultants prioritise thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based conservative management wherever possible, working closely with physiotherapists and allied health professionals to optimise outcomes without the need for surgery.
Operative intervention is only ever considered when it is truly in the patient’s best interests and when all appropriate non-surgical options have been fully explored.
This ensures patients receive the right treatment at the right time, with a focus on long-term function, recovery, and overall wellbeing.
Please get in touch if you have any patients who you feel would benefit from an Orthopaedic review.
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