Last Reviewed by: Dr. Steve Knighton | March 15, 2026

Running Pain Treatment Oakville

Shin Splints – Achilles Tendinopathy – Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Since Covid our clinic in Oakville has been treating more runners with more aches and pains. From ITB issues to Shin Splints and Achilles Tendinopathies we have treated it all. More people have been hitting the trails and streets to run and get the blood pumping, and with that our Oakville chiropractors and physiotherapists have seen an influx in running injuries.

The list of running related injuries is long and complicated. If you are suffering from any of the below conditions, follow the link to the specific treatment pages. If you are suffering from Shin Splints, Achilles Tendinopathy or Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome continue reading below.

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female running on a road into the sunset,

 

Most Common Runners Injuries:

1. Achilles Tendinopathy:

The Achilles in a big tendon that connects your calf muscles into your heel. When the calf muscles are put under too much stress, the tendon can become irritated. This irritation can cause pain and inflammation, and make the back of the heel during walking and/or running very painful. If you’re a new runner, have recently increased your distance, or started running hills, be on the lookout for this condition!

Our chiropractic treatment approach to Achilles tendinitis closely mirrors plantar fasciitis treatment, incorporating IFC, heat, shockwave therapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue work, shoe recommendations, and ice. Watch the video below for additional treatment insights.

4 Steps to Achilles Tendinitis Treatment:

Our approach to Achilles tendinitis closely mirrors plantar fasciitis treatment, incorporating IFC, heat, shockwave therapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue work, shoe recommendations, and ice. Watch the video below for additional treatment insights.

  1. Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) & Heat – Applied to the calf to improve circulation, loosen tissue, and reduce pain.
  2. Shockwave Therapy – A high-frequency, air-powered device targets the injured area, penetrating deep to accelerate healing—considered the gold standard for tendinitis treatment.
  3. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy (“Scraping”) – A metal tool is used to break up adhesion’s and scar tissue in the Achilles and calf.
  4. Active Release & Trigger Point Therapy – Our specialists use hands-on techniques to relieve knots and tightness in the calves and Achilles tendon.

Patient receiving IFC treatment for Achilles

2. Shin Splints:

 

Shin splints or “front shin pain” is usually a result from over training, poor footwear or bad biomechanics of the legs/foot or hips. The pain is located on the inside of the front part of the lower leg. Dr. Steve and our Oakville physiotherapy team recommends shin splint injury patients to seek treatment as soon as they notice symptoms as the injury could lead to an avulsion fracture pulling a piece of bone by the affected Tibialis Anterior muscle.

4 Steps to Shin Splint Treatment:

    1. Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) & Heat – Applied to front of the lower leg and shin to improve circulation, loosen tissue, and reduce pain.
    2. Shockwave Therapy – A high-frequency, air-powered device targets the injured area, penetrating deep to accelerate healing—considered the gold standard for treatment of shin splints.
    3. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy (“Scraping”) – A metal tool is used to break up adhesion’s and scar tissue in the Tibialis Anterio/Posterior and Soleus.
    4. Active Release & Trigger Point Therapy – Our specialists use hands-on techniques to relieve knots and tightness in the front of the lower leg inlcuding the Tibialis Anterior, Soleus and Flexor Digitorum Longus..

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Severe shin splints can lead to Anterior Compartment Syndrome, which can be a life and death situation and unfortunately cannot be treated at our clinic. If this is the case and you present with anterior compartment syndrome, we send you to OTMH right away.

A picture showing marks on leg with marker, to show the areas effected by Shin Splint

What is the Best Treatment for Shin Splints Oakville?

Treatment for shin splints at our Oakville clinic involves a combination of treatments. Most patients will receive 10 – 15 minutes of Suction IFC on the affected leg. After that, Shockwave Therapy will be performed on the area of pain. ART and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue will also be performed on the injured area. If you have ever had Dr. Steve’s “scraping” you know this is relatively painful, buts Dr. Steve is conscience of his patients pain tolerance.

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What Our Patients Are saying

  • Dr Steve is friendly, efficient and above all knowledgeable. He’s helped with my plantar fasciitis and is now moving on to my tennis elbow! I never need to wait. His staff are amazing!

    Katherine Babb Avatar Katherine Babb
    September 7, 2024

    I’ve been seeing Dr. Steve for the past few months, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the care and attention I’ve received. From the very first visit, Dr. Steve took the time to thoroughly assess my concerns and explain the treatment plan in detail. I’ve struggled with neck pain... read more

    Anjana Bhaskaran Avatar Anjana Bhaskaran
    December 10, 2024

    One of the best choices I've made! Dr. Steve and his team are extremely warm and friendly, provide great care, and the service is great! I came here to fix my bunions, and I can already feel an improvement after a few sessions.

    Elizabeth So Avatar Elizabeth So
    September 7, 2024
  • Dr. Jenn is amazing! She truly cares about her patients and is willing to try different things in order to see progress. I’ve been struggling with hip pain for years due to my scoliosis, no physio or chiro has ever been able to make a difference other than her, she... read more

    Alexia Davies Avatar Alexia Davies
    June 7, 2024

    The staff and the doctors at this place are amazing. My husband and I both have had really good experience with 2 different doctors here. After years of suffering and going to different practitioners finally Dr. Jenn worked magic on my lower back pain and neck. I've... read more

    amal farooq Avatar amal farooq
    October 7, 2024

    Dr. Steve and his assistant Laura did a great job of healing my jaw pain. Laura was always so professional and her Shockwave treatment really helped ease the pain.

    Suzanne Di Stefano [Staff] Avatar Suzanne Di Stefano [Staff]
    June 7, 2024
  • Dr. Steve is the coolest guy ever. He was so kind and communicative to me. My first experience ever going to a chiropractor and I was very nervous because physical contact makes me anxious. He talked me through everything, asked permission before every position and checked in on my comfort... read more

    Katie Chris Avatar Katie Chris
    February 6, 2025

    As a dance instructor, I was suffering from severe pain in my calves and tendons in my legs. Dr. Steve is a true expert in his field. After just one session, I noticed a significant improvement in my pain. I immediately received additional information on how to improve my leg.... read more

    cesar gonzalez Avatar cesar gonzalez
    September 7, 2024

    Dr Steve and his staff are amazing. Love his high energy and enthusiasm. Have seen several Dr’s for my shoulder injury and Dr Steve is the only one that has fully explained what’s going on that made sense. Only had a few treatments but already noticing an improvement. Front desk... read more

    Steve & Angela Pinder Avatar Steve & Angela Pinder
    October 7, 2024

3. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, this condition accounts for the majority of knee pain in runners. It is caused by an imbalance in the knee that causes the patella to track through its groove improperly. This created an irritation of the cartilage behind the kneecap and can cause pain. There are a number of biomechanical factors that contribute to this condition including over pronation of the feet/ankles, weakness of the medial (inside) knee muscles and weak glutes. Think your knee pain is coming from over pronation, get in today and see if some custom foot orthotics will get you back pumping out the miles!

4 Steps to Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Treatment:

  1. Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) & Heat – Applied to front of the knee and quad to improve circulation, loosen tissue, and reduce pain.
  2. Shockwave Therapy – A high-frequency, air-powered device targets the injured area, penetrating deep to accelerate healing—considered the gold standard for treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. This can be a little annoying towards the front of the knee where it is mostly bone.
  3. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy (“Scraping”) – A metal tool is used to break up adhesion’s and scar tissue in the front of the knee including the patella ligament and quads..
  4. Active Release & Trigger Point Therapy – Our specialists use hands-on techniques to relieve knots and tightness in the front of the knee and quads. At times they will find trigger points in the hamstring and popliteus muscle.

Learn More About Oakville Orthotics Here

4. Hamstring Strains

The hamstrings help to move us forward when we run. If you’re new to running, or have recently started a more difficult running routine, your hamstrings may tighten or become strained as a result. The pain can be felt anywhere down the back of the upper leg, from right underneath the butt to the back of the knee.

Shockwave Therapy, Muscle release techniques, IFC, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy, acupuncture and a home exercise programs can help make your return to running easier. The hamstrings aren’t the only muscles that can become strained from running; the quads and hip flexors are also common sources of running-related pain. If you are experiencing muscle pain, come visit the clinic today!

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A graphic showing marks on leg with marker, to explain effected areas by Hamstring Strains

Shin Splints FAQs