As more and more people in the US take up recreational running, the number of injuries associated with this activity has also increased. Shin splints, patellofermoral pain syndromes, Achilles tendinitis, flat feet, compartmental syndromes and stress fractures are common injuries resulting from cumulative stress reactions to soft tissues and bones. When running, the musculoskeletal system may absorb up to 250-300% of the runner’s weight on the heel strike, which exerts significant stress on the body.
Chiropractic care is a reliable solution for alleviating pain and non-specific symptoms associated with running injuries. Such symptoms usually result from regular stress on soft tissues and bones that gradually lead to discomfort. Early detection of these symptoms can lead to effective management and reduction of pain in a short period of time. Chiropractic treatment can help runners who suffer from excessive pronation or supination as well as those with very high arches who are prone to stress fractures.
While chiropractic treatment can help with pain and injuries, its most significant advantage to runners and athletes is preventive care. Many runners may ask why they should pay for chiropractic treatment when they have no pain requiring treatment? The answer is simple – it’s much easier to maintain good health than treat somebody already in pain.
Running injuries are often caused by repetitive stress and alignment problems that take time to develop before any discomfort sets in. If our bodies stayed in perfect alignment, then we would be able to cope with the regular stress running delivers without any issues. However, very few people have perfect alignment; therefore those with flat feet or high arches are at risk of extra cumulative body stress.
In preventive cases, a chiropractor can provide a comprehensive evaluation that teaches patients how to prevent injuries while maintaining good alignment – thereby reducing their chances of injury. Chiropractors can assess patients’ conditions by offering scans of their feet, testing for strength imbalances, analyzing posture, and suggesting programs suited to their needs for injury prevention in the future.
If you’re a runner looking for relief from running-related injuries or pain, Back and Body chiropractic can help. Our experienced chiropractors specialize in treating athletes and offer preventive care to reduce the risk of future injuries. Don’t let your discomfort hold you back any longer – schedule an appointment with Back and Body chiropractic today to achieve optimal health and performance.
