Running Injuries in Gahanna OH

The popularity of running as a recreational sport has exploded. On any given day in central Ohio, you are likely to find people out running. There are literally thousands of casual and competitive runners in the Columbus area. My question to you is how many of those thousands of people are running with pain? The research shows that 82% of runners get injured. This is an amazing statistic when you think about it. Imagine 82% of office workers getting carpal tunnel or 82% of football players sustaining a concussion. You would certainly hear about those numbers, but for runners, pain is just something that you expect to have to deal with at some point.

Many of these injuries are avoidable. The vast majority of running injuries are overuse injuries (think about the number of steps a runner takes during a marathon). During all these steps, the majority of the time you are on one foot, and you are coming down with a force at least 4x that of walking. What happens when your form is less than perfect? What happens when you lack the necessary range of motion at the ankle or hip? Injury happens! Welcome to the 82%. If you struggle with running injuries in Gahanna OH contact us today for help.

---

Common Running Injuries in Gahanna OH

The type of injuries that are incurred by a runner really depends on the type of running that is being done. There is a vast difference in the types of injuries seen between the casual runner, the long-distance/marathon runner, the cross-country runner, and the short-distance sprinter.

Some of the most common problems that occur in many runners include:

• Plantar Fasciitis (pain at the bottom of the foot)
• Achilles Tendonitis (pain at the back of the foot)
• Shin Splints (pain along the shin bone)
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome (pain along the outside of the knee, thigh or hip)
• Patellar Tendonitis (pain around or behind the knee cap)

How Can We Help?

The importance of having your gait and running form evaluated can’t be overstated. If you have not yet developed one of the problems above or some other painful condition, then count yourself lucky and then get screened. This is certainly a case where prevention is the best medicine. Most running injuries are difficult to resolve without ceasing your running for an extended period of time and extensive treatment. If you are having pain, find a practitioner who is skilled in advanced soft tissue techniques, such as Active Release and Graston Technique. These treatments have an excellent track record with running injuries. Please contact us and see how we can help.

---

Shin Splints

What are Shin Splints?

Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), tibial periostitis, or shin splints is a common injury that affects athletes who engage in running sports or physical activity. This condition is characterized by pain in the lower part of the leg between the knee and the ankle. The pain usually is worst at the beginning of a run and progressively gets better if the athlete runs through the pain (but not a good idea). Shin Splints can usually be attributed to overloading the muscles of the lower extremities or to biomechanical irregularities. Irritation develops from the pulling and tearing of the connective tissue when muscles of the lower leg meet the shin bone.

This is an overuse, repetitive stress injury, so total volume plays a huge role. However, there are many contributing factors that will accelerate this process including:

• Excessive pronation at the subtalar joint
• Excessively tight calf muscles (which can cause excessive pronation)
• Engaging the medial shin muscle in excessive amounts of eccentric muscle activity
• Undertaking high-impact exercises on hard, noncompliant surfaces (ex: running on asphalt or concrete)
• Smoking and a low-fitness lifestyle
• Being overweight

How Can Aldrich Chiropractic Center Help?

The importance of having your gait and running form evaluated can’t be overstated. If you have not yet developed shin splints or some other painful condition, then count yourself lucky and then get screened. Remember 82% of runners end up injured. This is certainly a case where prevention is the best medicine. Most running injuries are difficult to resolve without ceasing your running for an extended period of time and extensive treatment. If you are having pain, find a practitioner who is skilled in advanced soft tissue techniques, such as Active Release and Graston Technique. These treatments have an excellent track record with running injuries. Kinesio-taping is also a highly effective treatment for this condition. Please contact us and see how we can help.

---

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITB syndrome)

What is Iliotibial Band Syndrome?

This is a problem that normally presents as pain on the outside of the leg that can go from just below the knee all the way up to the hip. Common to runners and cyclists, it usually becomes noticeable about a mile or two into a run or ride. Can co-present with hip bursitis or patella femoral pain, and is not unique just to athletes; can be seen in anyone with tightness in the lateral thighs or imbalances in the hip musculature.

How Can We Help?

It’s important to realize that pain in the lateral hip is not a diagnosis, and ITB syndrome is an incomplete diagnosis. A thorough history and evaluation throughout the kinetic chain is necessary to accurately identify the issue. Is there overpronation of the foot? Does the patient lack hip extension? Does the patient lose lateral stability on one foot? Do they run on uneven surfaces or are they using the appropriate footwear for them? These are crucial questions to answer because they are why the problem is happening, and if not addressed pain will return.

Our doctors specialize in advanced soft tissue treatments such as the Active Release Technique and Graston Technique and have a proven track record of successful resolution of ITB syndrome without the need for drugs or surgery. We are also a provider of custom foot orthotics from Foot Levelers. Please contact us and see how we can help.