First-class aid

When you're hurt, speed up recovery by finding the best specialist for your injury.

The only thing more demoralising than a running injury? A GP who tells you to pop an ibuprofen pill and stop running. Avoid this frustration by finding a healthcare provider who's experienced in sports medicine.

"Most injuries are due to something readily identifiable, such as ramping up your training too fast or a a new pair of shoes that alters your stride," says Mark Tarnopolsky, a doctor at McMaster University in Canada. "You want someone to get to the root of the problem instead of masking it with antiinflammatories and rest." Here's how to find a specialist who will get you - and keep you - up and running...

Sports medicine doctor

Physicians who are trained in sports medicine are often the best place to start when you have a running injury. A comprehensive evaluation might include diagnostic tests such as a blood count, bone scan or MRI scan. The European College of Sports and Exercise Physicians has contact information for sports docs across the UK and Europe.

BEST FOR Mystery ailments; fatigue and health issues that affect your running

NOT FOR Therapy for an already-diagnosed muscle or joint injury

Podiatrist

Podiatrists spend four years of their training specialising in feet, but their expertise extends beyond metatarsals. They'll check the wear patterns of your running shoes and analyse your biomechanics, says sports podiatrist Phillip Vasyli. They may also be able to recommend a shoe insert, prescribe custom-made orthotics or provide helpful strengthening and stretching exercises.

BEST FOR Foot - and ankle-related problems; chronic injuries that are often caused by poor foot mechanics such as runner's knee and iliotibial-band syndrome

NOT FOR Acute non-foot-related injuries

Orthopaedist

Orthopaedists are trained to treat issues affecting bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments, which makes them a good choice if you have an ongoing ache or pain, says Dr Peter Mace, assistant medical director for Bupa. Ideally, you should see an orthopaedist who works with athletes to prevent and manage injury. Some will often perform surgery, but look for one who does so only as a last resort.

BEST FOR All types of running complaints, including muscle strains and pulls, joint pains and stress fractures

NOT FOR General health problems, such as fatigue or anaemia

Physiotherapist

"We are trained to watch people move and figure out what's going wrong," says triathlete and doctor of physical therapy, Ellora Weston. "Is it a muscle? a tendon? We can sort it out." a good physio will spend up to an hour on your initial evaluation. They will often work with physicians and orthopedists to diagnose problems, and they really shine when it comes to devising rehab programmes and prescribing exercises to help keep you injury-free.

BEST FOR Rehabilitating diagnosed injuries, both acute and chronic

NOT FOR General health problems or if you suspect that you have a fracture

First-class aid

By: enzowelle

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