Since Covid our Oakville clinic has been treating more runners with more aches and pains. From ITB issues to Shin Splints we have scene it all. More people have been hitting the trails and streets to run and get the blood pumping, and with that our Oakville chiropractor has seen an influx in running injuries. Here is a breakdown of some of the most common running injuries and how Dr. Steve treats each diagnosis!
1. Runner’s Knee Treatment Oakville
Knee pain treatment Oakville
Also, more formally, known at Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, this condition accounts for the majority of knee pain. It is caused by an imbalance in the knee that causes the patella to track through its groove improperly. This created an irritation of the cartilage behind the kneecap and can cause pain. There are a number of biomechanical factors that contribute to this condition including over pronation of the feet/ankles, weakness of the medial (inside) knee muscles and weak glutes. Think your knee pain is coming from over pronation, get in today and see if some custom foot orthotics will get you back pumping out the miles!
Runners Knee Anatomy and why you are having pain?
This condition can cause pain during and after running. Treatment for this condition may include patellar mobilizations, muscle release techniques, IFC to manage pain and most importantly exercises to help balance the hip, knee and ankle to promote proper biomechanics!
Learn More About Oakville Orthotics Here
2. Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis Treatment and Runners
The Achilles in a big tendon that connects your calf muscles into your heel. When the calf muscles are put under too much stress, the tendon can become irritated. This irritation can cause pain and inflammation, and make the back of the heel during walking and/or running very painful. If you’re a new runner, have recently increased your distance, or started running hills, be on the lookout for this condition!
Treatment for Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis
Treatment for Achilles Tendinitis at our Oakville clinic mirrors that of plantar fasciitis. IFC, Heat, Shockwave, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue work, shoe recommendations, and Ice. See the the video below for more treatment ideas.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment: Dr. Steve and Dr. Jenn treat this condition in the Oakville chiropractic clinic all the time. All. The. Time. Plantar fasciitis is pain in the bottom on the foot, along the arch. A hallmark sign of plantar fasciitis is a very painful first step when you get out of bed in the morning.
Learn More About Plantar Fasciitis
If you are an over-pronator (your ankle roll inwards when weight bearing), you may be more susceptible to plantar fasciitis, especially if you are a runner. There are multiple biomechanical factors that can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, but tight calves and over pronation are two common ones!
If you aren’t already wearing good, supportive running shoes when you run, then stop what you’re doing and go get some right now. Having supportive shoes is so important when you’re training in an activity that has as much impact as running! Your feet need to be supported in order to ensure the impact forces are transferred through the foot, ankle, knee and hip properly!
Treatment for this condition will involve instruction on calf stretching and a home-exercise program to decrease irritation in the plantar fascia. Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis is very effective and our chiropractors use it often when treating this painful condition. Don’t put off starting treatment, the sooner you start the easier it is to fix!
Find Our Home Exercise Program For Plantar Fasciitis Here
If you think you may be suffering from Achilles tendinitis or Plantar Fasciitis, and have ankle pain, come visit our chiropractor to start treatment today! They will help provide guidance on resting, exercise and icing protocols. Treatment with shockwave therapy for Achilles pain, IFC and muscle release will all help get you back to running quickly!
3. ITB Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Syndrome) and Athletes
Are you a runner who is experiencing pain on the outside of the knee? If so – this condition might be the problem! Iliotibial band syndrome occurs when the IT Band rubs over a bony prominence on the outside of the knee. When the knee is repeatedly flexed and extended (like it is during running) it can cause inflammation and tissue irritation at the friction point.
Treatment for ITB Syndrome
Oakville Shockwave therapy can be so effective for this condition. It helps release the very thick, tough ITB band and relieve the irritation off the attachment point at the knee. Along with specific stretches and exercises, our team will have you back to running in no time.
Check Out Our Chiropractor-Approved ITB Stretches Here
4. Shin Splint Treatment Oakville — Running Injury
Shin splints or “front shin pain” is usually a result from over training, poor footwear or bad biomechanics of the legs/foot or hips. The pain is located on the inside of the front part of the lower leg. Dr. Steve recommends shin splint injury patients to seek treatment as soon as they notice symptoms as the injury could lead to an avulsion fracture pulling a piece of bone by the affected Tibialis Anterior muscle.
Severe shin splints can lead to Anterior Compartment Syndrome, which can be a life and death situation and unfortunately cannot be treated at our clinic. If this is the case and you present with anterior compartment syndrome, we send you to OTMH right away.
Treatment for Shin Splints Oakville
Treatment for shin splints at our Oakville clinic involves a combination of treatments. Most patients will receive 10 – 15 minutes of Suction IFC on the affected leg. After that, Shockwave Therapy will be performed on the area of pain.
5. Hamstring Strains
The hamstrings help to move us forward when we run. If you’re new to running, or have recently started a more difficult running routine, your hamstrings may tighten or become strained as a result. The pain can be felt anywhere down the back of the upper leg, from right underneath the butt to the back of the knee.
Muscle release techniques, IFC, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy, acupuncture and a home exercise programs can help make your return to running easier. The hamstrings aren’t the only muscles that can become strained from running; the quads and hip flexors are also common sources of running-related pain. If you are experiencing muscle pain, come visit the clinic today!