Running Injuries

Running is a great form of cardiovascular exercise that is enjoyed by many people around the world. This group of enthusiasts includes joggers, treadmillers, sprinters and endurance athletes. Whatever the goal or training regime, many runners eventually encounter challenges to their physical well being. Many of these challenges come directly as a result of the repetitive nature of running.

Dysfunction caused by repetitive “pounding” associated with running can create many different symptoms and problems. These include:

Pain on the bottom of the foot – see Plantar Fascitis
Pain over the “shin bone” at the front of the leg – see Shin Splints
Knee pain with running or when changing position from sitting to standing – see Knee Problems

Repetitive Motion Injuries or “Running” Motion Injuries?

Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMI) represent the most common form of injury associated with running. In fact, they are so often linked that the question posed at the top of this section can be a difficult one to answer.

Although the repetitious one-foot-in-front-of-the-other nature of running is mostly to blame, several factors contribute greatly toward making these types of injuries so commonplace with runners. These factors include running surfaces that are too hard, poor fitting shoes, shoes that are too old or worn out, increasing mileage too quickly and reduced shock absorption due to poor lower extremity biomechanics.

The most damaging force placed on a runner is the “shock” caused by the heel striking the ground.

In fact, many of the joints of the lower extremities play an important role in reducing the “shock” experienced with running. Therefore, these joints need to be firm, but springy so that they can absorb the shock rather than transfer it further up the body. The most important shock-absorbing joint complex is the foot. The many bones and joints of the foot must work in concert to prevent “jarring” of the body. Excessive “jarring” related to stiff, inflexible joints of the feet often contribute to foot pain (plantar fascitis), knee problems, hip and low back pain. Dr. Erickson is well trained at restoring proper mechanical function to stiff, inflexible joints of the feet.

When the joints of the feet fail to absorb the shock of running, the muscles of the legs, hips, pelvis and low back are often forced to work overtime to dampen these damaging forces. The increased effort of these muscles can cause chronic muscle damage over time leading to pain and reductions in performance.

In fact, 1) repetitive “rubbing” of sensitive soft-tissues or 2) chronic muscle tightness can initiate an injury cascade that will eventually lead to significant dysfunction and pain. Both of these situations deprive the soft-tissues of much needed oxygen due to a decrease in full muscle contraction and complete relaxation. This reduces the “pumping” action that normally occurs within healthy muscle tissue. A decrease in tissue oxygenation triggers fibroblastic activity – the primary mechanism involved in the formation of scar tissue. Unfortunately, as more fibrous tissue is created, muscle oxygenation, flexibility and strength are further reduced. This cycle continues until both structure and function have been degraded to the point that symptoms occur – usually stiffness, pain or weakness. In other words, repetitive motion injuries can develop over months or years before the first symptom is ever experienced!

As the condition progresses, the “stickiness” of the muscles and tendons can extend into the spaces between the soft tissues forcing them to become “stuck” to one another. When this happens around a nerve it can cause an irritation of the nerve known to doctors as a peripheral nerve entrapment. This can lead to numbness, tingling or burning the legs and feet.

Treatment for Running Injuries

Restoring the lower extremities to proper function and motion requires a combined approach that addresses both the joint mechanics AND the muscles that support joint function. Joint mechanics are best corrected with corrective chiropractic adjustments. Active Release muscle therapy is effective at reducing the scar-tissue “stickiness” within the joints and surrounding soft-tissues.

Dr. Ken Erickson can identify the proper areas involved and provide the necessary treatment based on your specific needs.

“Chiropractic adjustment” describes hundreds of ways of using carefully directed and controlled pressure to restore joints to normal motion and position. It also alleviates strain on surrounding muscles that are overworked in their efforts to compensate for joint dysfunction.

Scar tissue adhesions located within and between running muscles are best removed using a muscle therapy called Active Release, a treatment method that often provides immediate and dramatic results. It is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, fascia and nerves) treatment system that was designed specifically to deal with repetitive motion injuries as seen with running.

The Active Release doctor uses his hands to evaluate the injured tissue. Then, precisely applied tension is combined with specific patient movements. Treatment is an interactive process involving both doctor and patient and every Active Release session is actually a unique combination of examination and treatment. Patients often notice improvement in their levels of pain, flexibility and strength within seconds following the treatment.

Contact Dr. Erickson at (949) 857-1888 to arrange for a free consultation either by phone or in person.