As a physiotherapist with over 20 years’ experience, I’ve treated countless runners who struggle with foot pain or injuries related to running. Foot and lower limb problems can be frustrating, limiting your performance and enjoyment. Whether you’re a weekend jogger, a competitive athlete, or someone getting back into exercise, I provide expert assessment and rehabilitation tailored to your needs.
Running is a high-impact activity that places significant demands on your feet, ankles, and lower legs. Even minor injuries can quickly become chronic if they aren’t addressed early. My goal is to help you understand the cause of your pain, treat the underlying problem, and get you back to running safely and confidently. If foot pain is stopping you from running, book an assessment today and let’s get you moving again.
“I’ve been a physiotherapist for over 20 years. During that time, I’ve worked with the England women’s rugby team, Manchester City women’s team, Blackburn Rovers and the McLaren Formula-1 team, and now I want to use those years of sports therapy experience to help you. I believe in a personalised, individualised approach to physiotherapy, whether you’re looking to manage painful symptoms, recover after an injury or simply get stronger and improve your performance.”
Watch practical physiotherapy advice, rehabilitation progressions, and simple exercise tips from Rick, based on experience from the NHS, elite sport, and private practice.
New videos are added regularly to help you recover better and move with confidence.
Runners are prone to a variety of foot and lower limb injuries. Some of the most frequent conditions I treat include:
Plantar fasciitis – inflammation of the tissue along the sole of the foot, often causing heel pain.
Achilles tendinopathy – pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon, especially after activity.
Metatarsalgia – discomfort in the ball of the foot due to repetitive impact.
Stress fractures – tiny cracks in the bones of the foot or lower leg caused by overuse.
Ankle sprains – stretching or tearing of ligaments, often from uneven terrain or poor technique.
Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) – pain along the inner edge of the shin caused by repeated stress.
These injuries can be caused by overtraining, sudden changes in running volume, poor footwear, muscle imbalances, or biomechanical issues. Identifying the exact cause is essential for effective treatment.
Foot pain often develops gradually, making it easy to ignore until it interferes with your training. Common contributing factors include:
increasing mileage too quickly without adequate recovery.
flat feet, high arches, or abnormal gait patterns can place extra stress on tissues.
worn-out or inappropriate shoes can fail to absorb impact properly.
weak calves, glutes, or intrinsic foot muscles can lead to altered mechanics.
uneven or hard surfaces increase the risk of strain and injury.
Understanding these factors allows me to tailor a treatment plan that addresses both the symptoms and the underlying causes of your pain.
I bring over 20 years of physiotherapy experience, including working with elite athletes and sports teams. My approach is personalised, hands-on, and based on evidence, addressing sports injuries and physiotherapy rehab. When you work with me:
I want you to run without fear, pain, or limitation, whether you’re training for a race or running for fun. Don’t let foot pain stop you from running. Book an assessment today and start your journey back to pain-free running.
Foot pain and running injuries respond best to a combination of hands-on treatment, exercise, and education. My approach includes:
Manual therapy –
massage, joint mobilisation, or soft tissue techniques to reduce pain and restore movement.
Stretching and mobility exercises – improving flexibility in the calves, Achilles, and plantar fascia.
Strengthening programmes – targeting intrinsic foot muscles, calves, glutes, and core to support running mechanics.
Biomechanical correction – advice on footwear, orthotics if necessary, and running technique adjustments.
Gradual return to running – progressive training plans to rebuild endurance without triggering injury.
Each programme is tailored to your goals, whether that’s completing a 5k, marathon, or simply running pain-free for fitness.
We are delighted to have helped many people stay pain-free and have many 5-star reviews on Google.
Once pain is under control, I emphasise prevention to reduce the risk of recurrence. Key strategies include:
Implementing these measures helps runners stay active and avoid setbacks caused by recurring injuries.
Foot pain or running injuries that persist beyond a few weeks should be assessed by a physiotherapist. Warning signs include persistent or worsening pain during or after running, swelling, bruising, or deformity in the foot or ankle, pain that interferes with daily activities or difficulty walking or balancing.
Early intervention can prevent minor issues from developing into chronic problems, allowing you to return to running faster and more safely.
Recovery time varies depending on the type and severity of your injury. Minor issues may improve in a few weeks, while more complex injuries could take several months. I’ll provide a personalised timeline based on your assessment.
Running through pain can worsen the injury and delay recovery. I recommend pausing or modifying activity until we assess the cause and create a safe rehabilitation plan.
Footwear plays an important role in preventing and managing running injuries. During your assessment, I can advise on the most suitable shoes and, if necessary, recommend orthotics.
Prevention focuses on strength, flexibility, gradual increases in mileage, proper footwear, and good running technique. I’ll provide tailored exercises and advice to reduce your risk of recurrence.
Not every injury requires physiotherapy, but early assessment helps prevent minor issues from becoming chronic. I offer targeted treatment and guidance to get you back to running safely and efficiently.
If foot pain is limiting your life in Woodford or the surrounding Cheshire area, The Woodford Physio can help. Experienced physiotherapists provide personalised, effective care to relieve pain, restore function, and support long-term shoulder health.
Contact the clinic today to book your appointment, or use the easy online booking system to take the first step towards recovery.
