Six Common Running Injuries and How Chiropractic Can Help Treat Them
If you are looking for a great way to lose weight and stay in shape, then you have probably thought about running. On the other hand, running can also place a lot of stress on the body. You may have aches and pains from time to time, which you may dismiss as a routine soreness. But just realize that there are more severe injuries that could require more attention. Let’s take a look at six of the most common and how chiropractic can help treat them.
1. Achilles Tendonitis
One of the first injuries runners may suffer is called Achilles tendonitis. This refers to inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the lower leg to the heel. Achilles tendonitis can make it very hard to run because it might be difficult to push off of your foot without pain. If you are dealing with Achilles tendonitis, you need to take time off from running to give your Achilles tendon time to heal.
2. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common injuries that runners may suffer. This refers to inflammation of the plantar fasciitis, which is located on the bottom of the foot. This injury is especially painful when you wake up in the morning. Furthermore, if you have been sitting for a long time, the pain may get worse. Even though you may not feel any pain when you start running, running is only going to make this injury worse. You need to take time off if you would like this injury to heal.
3. Runner’s Knee
Runner’s knee refers to pain that is located beneath or around the kneecap. Usually, this pain gets worse if you try to go up and down the stairs. If you try to squat, the pain might get worse as well. Flat feet, incorrect running shoes, and poor running form can make this injury worse. Anti-inflammatory medications, ice, and stretching can help this injury get better.
4. Shin Splints
Shin splints are a classic running injury. As the name suggests, this refers to pain in the shin. Usually, it starts immediately after you run; however, the pain can become persistent. In order to deal with shin splints, you need to rest, apply ice, and reduce mileage.
5. Stress Fractures
Finally, stress fractures can be severe. They refer to tiny cracks that take place in your leg bones as a result of overuse. Even though stress fractures are not the same as acute fractures, they can get worse if you do not deal with them appropriately. You need to rest your legs if you have stress fractures in them.
6. Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome
This is a unique injury that is characterized by pain that takes place on the outside of the knee. You may also experience pain on the outside of your hip or lower leg. If you run on surfaces with frequent elevation changes, this injury can get worse. Furthermore, if you tried to increase mileage too quickly, or run in bad running shoes, this injury can get worse.
A Chiropractor Can Help you Address These Common Injuries
These are just a few of the many injuries that runners may suffer. Even though you might believe you need to take prescription medications or undergo a surgical procedure, this is not always the case. Instead, you should reach out to a trained chiropractor who can review other treatment options with you. This could include adjustments, physical therapy, massage therapy, and other customized treatment plants that can help you address the root cause of your injury. The goal is to not only help you get better but prevent these injuries from coming back.
So if you or a loved one are suffering from any of these conditions, give us a call. Our chiropractor is trained to help get you out of pain and back into life. So don’t delay. Give us a call today. We’re here to help!