By: Dr. Matt Butler, DC
Chiropractic and Running Injuries
There are two types of injuries which a runner may sustain: Acute trauma,
and an overuse injury. The acute trauma is sudden, such as a torn ligament or broken
bones. The most frequently problem encountered by chiropractors is injury through
overuse. Here is an overview of the most common injuries a chiropractor will see.
Plantar Fasciitis
Cause: stretching or tearing the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot
where the tissue attaches to the heel.
Symptoms: Pain in a specific area on the bottom of the foot towards the
heel, possibly radiating towards the ball of the foot. The foot feels tender
early in the morning and becomes less painful with movement. Is often
associated with pronation and a fallen arch.
Prevention: regular stretching of the calf and Achilles tendon. It is also important that the feet are assessed for any biomechanical problems. Orthotics or insoles may also be prescribed.
Bursitis or Tendonitis
Common problem areas include the knee and ankle. It is an irritation of the bursa (fluid filled sac which sits under the tendon) or tendons from friction, trauma, pressure or dysfunction.
Symptoms: Pain and stiffness on movement with no visible swelling at first, but swelling as the condition worsens.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the connection between the heel and the most powerful muscle group in the body, the calf and is a very common site for a disabling injury.
NB: To prevent a chronic problem, do not run through pain. If your Achilles tendon is sore, get it treated immediately. Again, it is also important that the feet are assessed for any biomechanical problems. Orthotics or insoles may also be prescribed and the use of soft heel-lifts are effective as part of chiropractic treatment
Shin Splints
Cause: Faulty posture, poor shoes, fallen arches, insufficient warm-up, muscle fatigue, exercising on unyielding surfaces or poor running mechanics.
Symptoms: pain or discomfort on the front, the inside and/or the outside surface of the shin bone or directly on the shin bone.
Prevention: Good shoes with shock absorbing features, heel toe landing for the minimum impact, and calf stretches. Sports taping will also help.
Stress Fracture
These small fractures occur due to excessive stress (overuse of the bone) or an increase in intensity or distance running, resulting in gradual breakdown of the bone.
Symptoms: Pain occurs especially in the foot and lower leg becoming more intense with weight bearing activity. X-rays appear negative initially but fractures become visible up to two weeks after the initial injury.
Ankle Sprain
Running on level ground rarely results in an ankle sprain but cross country running, trail running and stepping in a pot hole all could potentially lead to an ankle sprain.
Treatment: Treat immediately. Rest Ice Compression (gentle) Elevation.
Note: Ice should be applied for about 15 minutes at a time, with at least 15 minute intervals between application.