Chiropractor in Irvine helps runners
Hi Dr. Vas here,
Thank you for visiting our website, and reading this post. Today I wanted to write a post specifically talking to the runners. Whether you are a casual runner, or a competitive runner their are some common injuries that most runners encounter, and today I am going to elaborate on these injuries.
According to a survery “36 million people run every year – 40% to 50% experience at least one injury.
Chiropractor in Irvine helps runners
Injury #1 Piriformis syndrome.
Tightening of the piriformis muscle. The piriformis is a flat muscle, pyramidal in shape, lying almost parallel with the posterior margin of the gluteus medius. It is situated partly within the pelvis against its posterior wall, and partly at the back of the hip-joint.
Symptoms: Pain Radiating down back of leg.
Injury #2 Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runners Knee)
The knee is a complex structure and is very sensitive. A number of factors can contribute to runner’s knee, including:
Malalignment of the kneecap
Complete or partial dislocation
Injury
Tightness, imbalance, or weakness of thigh muscles
Flat feet
Patellofemoral pain may be the result of irritation of the soft tissues around the front of the knee. Strained tendons are fairly common in athletes. Other contributing factors to patellofemoral pain include overuse, muscle imbalance and inadequate stretching. Pain that begins in another part of the body, such as the back or hip, may cause pain in the knee (referred pain).
In some people with runner’s knee, the kneecap is out of alignment. If so, vigorous activities can cause excessive stress and wear on the cartilage of the kneecap. This can lead to softening and breakdown of the cartilage on the patella (chondromalacia patella) and cause pain in the underlying bone and irritation of the joint lining.
Symptoms:
A dull, aching pain under or around the front of the kneecap (patella) where it connects with the lower end of the thighbone (femur). Pain occurs when walking up or down stairs, kneeling, squatting, and sitting with a bent knee for a long period of time.
Injury #3 Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome is an overuse problem that is often seen in bicyclists, runners, and long-distance walkers. It causes pain on the outside of the knee just above the joint. It rarely gets so bad that it requires surgery, but it can be very bothersome. The discomfort may keep athletes and other active people from participating in the activities they enjoy.
People often end up with ITB syndrome from overdoing their activity. They try to push themselves too far, too fast, and they end up running, walking, or biking more than their body can handle. The repeated strain causes the bursa on the side of the knee to become inflamed.
Some experts believe that the problem happens when the knee bows outward. This can happen in runners if their shoes are worn on the outside edge, or if they run on slanted terrain. Others feel that certain foot abnormalities, such as foot pronation, cause ITB syndrome.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ITB syndrome commonly begin with pain over the outside of the knee, just above the knee joint. Tenderness in this area is usually worse after activity. As the bursitis grows worse, pain may radiate up the side of the thigh and down the side of the leg. Patients sometimes report a snapping or popping sensation on the outside of the knee.
Injury #4 Shin Splints
Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) is an inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around your tibia. Pain typically occurs along the inner border of the tibia, where muscles attach to the bone.
In general, shin splints develop when the muscle and bone tissue (periosteum) in the leg become overworked by repetitive activity.
Shin splints often occur after sudden changes in physical activity. These can be changes in frequency, such as increasing the number of days you exercise each week. Changes in duration and intensity, such as running longer distances or on hills, can also cause shin splints.
Other factors that contribute to shin splints include:
Having flat feet or abnormally rigid arches
Exercising with improper or worn-out footwear
Runners are at highest risk for developing shin splints. Dancers and military recruits are two other groups frequently diagnosed with the condition.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of shin splints is pain along the border of the tibia. Mild swelling in the area may also occur.
Shin splint pain may:
Be sharp and razor-like or dull and throbbing
Occur both during and after exercise
Be aggravated by touching the sore spot
Injury #5 Plantar Faschitis
The most common symptom of shin splints is pain along the border of the tibia. Mild swelling in the area may also occur.
Shin splint pain may:
Be sharp and razor-like or dull and throbbing
Occur both during and after exercise
Be aggravated by touching the sore spot.
That’s all for today. If you have any other questions call and schedule an appointment 949.478.0622, or answer questions on our Facebook page.
Creating health for life,
Dr. Vasili Gastinaris D.C.