Treating Running Injuries with Chiropractic

Runners are used to getting injured. Shin splints and other kinds of physical complaints are common, especially runners push themselves too hard during training.

Usually with just a few sessions of physical therapy, these injuries get treated at no time at all and the runner can get back to his regular routine.

There are some cases, however, in which the injury becomes so persistent that the runner may have to stop running permanently, leading to a host of complications like depression and weight gain—complications that could have been avoided had the runner just seen a chiropractor for his or her pain.

Chiropractic care is increasingly being sought out by sports enthusiasts and athletes alike for their injuries.

Typical Conditions that Runners Seek Out Treatment For

• Plantar fasciitis—pain in one area on the bottom of the foot near the heel 
• Shin splints—pain on the shin bone while running, either on the front, on the inside, or on the outside of the shin bone 
• Runners knee—pain in the knee cap not only during running but also after being in a certain position for some time with the knee bent 
• ITBS or iliotibial band syndrome—pain on the outer side of the knee felt by the runner while running 
• Stress fracture—pain in the foot or lower leg becoming worse especially with weight bearing activities 
• Ankle sprain

Most of the injuries experienced by runners are in the soft tissues—muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Chiropractic care is especially effective with these kinds of physical complaints. Not only do chiropractors do manual manipulation of the spine to correct any misalignments, but they can also use pain management, soft tissue mobilization, ultrasound, physical therapy, deep tissue massage, diet counseling, and stretching, as well as other modalities.

Chiropractors Do Not Prescribe Medications

Chiropractic care is natural and holistic, not only reducing the possibility of getting addicted to painkillers, but also saving the patient hundreds of dollars on medications that cannot address the root cause of the complaint.

It is every runner’s nightmare to be told that they can’t run again because of a lingering injury to their legs, knees, or feet. This is why athletes and sports enthusiasts alike are encouraged to use proper form when doing their sports, use appropriate shoes, and if possible, seek regular chiropractic care even before getting injured. If one is into sports, the body’s health is of primary importance, making chiropractic care a necessary part of any runner’s health-seeking regimen.