A 2021 Fitness Trends report revealed that nearly 60% of adults consider running one of the best ways to stay healthy and lose weight – for many reasons. No gym membership is required, the equipment cost is minimal, and anyone can work out at their own experience level. Running is especially popular in Sarasota, where we have sunny skies, beautiful scenery, and plenty of opportunities to jog. Running is known to clear your head and produce the endorphins referred to as a “runner’s high.” However, vigorous and high-impact exercise such as running can have adverse effects on one’s health as well. One of the most common injuries is “runner’s knee,” which typically manifests as a dull pain around the front of the knee (patella).
Runner’s knee is a broad term covering various running-related knee injuries. The condition is usually the result of some misalignment in the body, causing the muscles and ligaments around the knee and leg to become twisted or displaced. While runner’s knee can be caused by running in general, it can also result from being flat-footed or having limited ankle mobility.
Most Common Symptoms of Runner’s Knee
The most evident symptom of runner’s knee is pain, generally felt at the front of the knee, although it can also be felt around or even behind the kneecap. Some other symptoms include:
- Swelling around the kneecap
- Increasing pain throughout the workout
- Reduced pain when at rest
While many people believe it is beneficial to “run through the pain,” it is not advisable to run when in pain, as you are likely aggravating an injury.
How Chiropractic Treatment Helps with Runner’s Knee
While a chiropractor may not be your first thought for treating runner’s knee, there are many benefits to seeking this type of care. Remember, knee pain is often associated with twisted or displaced ligaments that can benefit from the manipulation a chiropractor utilizes for healing. Here are three ways chiropractic care is ideal for runner’s knee.
Minimizes pain and strengthens the knee: The primary benefit of chiropractic care is that it can alleviate pain. Chiropractic treatments employ manipulation of muscles, ligaments, and tendons, relaxing tense muscles while realigning the spine. Once the body is aligned correctly, the knee is less vulnerable to strain or stress.
Determines the root cause of the condition: Chiropractic care seeks to identify the root cause of any injury rather than just treating symptoms. For instance, knee pain often indicates a misaligned spine – and treating the spine will ease the knee pain. Chiropractors who work with athletes are especially proficient at diagnosing and treating athletic injuries such as runner’s knee.
Preventative care and treatment: Of course, it is preferable never to develop an injury like runner’s knee at all. Regular chiropractic appointments will help to discover any weak areas of the body that may be susceptible to injuries – before they occur. A chiropractor can work with an athlete to proactively strengthen muscles and align the spine before injuries develop.
A chiropractor will also notice when rest may be necessary to avoid overstressing the body. Serious injuries can occur when the body has been worked too strenuously, and they can significantly impair future athletic performance. Recurring runner’s knee injuries can translate into less time running, working out, or competing in races, whether elite marathons or local 5Ks.
Dr. Ryan Johnson of Integrated Chiropractic is committed to delivering the best patient care. Call today if you are in pain or if maintaining optimum health and athletic performance is important to you.
