Throughout the month of April we have been discussing the most common sports injuries. Today, we take a closer look at Runner’s Knee, the number one most common sports injury today. Lending to its nickname, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) or Runner’s knee, is common among runners because the stress of running can cause irritation where the kneecap rests on the thighbone. Whether sharp and sudden or dull and chronic, runner’s knee is many times the result of tight hamstrings or poorly conditioned quadriceps.
It is estimated that over 70% of runner’s will experience a running related injury during their running years. Runner’s knee may affect one knee, or both. It also is common for the pain to disappear while running, only to return again after the run. Pain around or under the front of the kneecap that occurs when walking up and down stairs, kneeling, squatting and sitting with bent knees for a long period of time are also indicators of runner’s knee.
As with any injury, the causes are unique to the individual but as the knee structure is sensitive, there are several factors that can contribute to developing runner’s knee aside from injury including flat feet, misalignment of the kneecap, partial or complete dislocation and, as discussed previously, weak or tight muscles. Prevention is possible and general good conditioning is primary to preventing runner’s knee.
Some keys to preventing runner’s knee are:
- Stay in Shape – If you are overweight, think about losing weigh to avoid overstressing the knees
- Stretch – Stretching is important to any fitness program as it keeps the supporting structures flexible and less prone to injury. Be sure to do a five minute warm up followed by stretching, at the beginning of every run or workout.
- Increase Your Training Program Gradually and Use Proper Running Gear – Good shoes are a necessity and make sure they fit properly and are in good condition. If you have flat feet, you may consider additional supportive inserts.
- Use Proper Form – Be sure to lean forward and keep your knees bent during a run and never run straight dow a steep hill; either walk the hill or run in a zigzag pattern
If you have already experienced the pain associated with Runner’s Knee, there are plenty of treatment options available and many patients have experienced fast and effective relief from runner’s knee, and many other chronic pain and injury conditions, through chiropractic neurology. Chiropractic neurologists are highly trained in the function of the brain, spine and nervous system and how to best treat misalignments in the body. Skilled in treating misalignments and injury in the knee is no exception and the individualized care and treatment that Chiropractic Neurology is based on has been proven to be the very best option for long term and lasting relief. Through the restoration of proper nervous system function, without drugs that mask the underlying symptoms, patients are finding that they are back to their running and walking routines in no time. And while Chiropractic Neurology is the best and fastest way to recovery, it is not simply about fixing what is injured, but also teaching how to prevent future injury and live in a state of well being.
If you would like to know more about how Chiropractic Neurology can help you, please contact us today at the Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center.