Many people assume a chiropractor just ‘’cracks’’ backs, however, this couldn’t be farther than the truth. A sports chiropractor is trained in muscle work who can help prevent injury and improve a person’s performance. Most major professional sports teams and Olympic teams employ a chiropractor. Runners often visit a chiropractor to help them avoid injuries while running. Many runners, whether they run for a hobby now and again or run to prepare for the Olympics in Tokyo, often experience some of the same issues. Plantar fasciitis, IT Band Syndrome, knee issues and achilles tendonitis are all common problems a chiropractor would see amongst their patients. You can visit Advanced Health Chiropractic for more information.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The average person in the United States takes approximately 5,000 to 7,0000 steps per day normally, often on hard concrete surfaces. Runners often do a lot more than this. Plantar Fascititis is when the inflammation of the ligament that goes down along the bottom of your foot. This can cause a terrible stabbing like pain that can keep runners and other sports people sidelined for a period of time. In the United States, it is estimated that around 2 million people per year are treated for plantar fasciitis each year. In many cases, it can affect a person’s sleeping pattern due to the pain. The pain can move up a person’s feet and into their achilles tendon and also into their calves. People who suffer from plantar fasciitis often experience pain when they wake up in the morning. This is due to the lack of activity while sleeping at night time. However, pain can also be experienced after a long period of time sitting down in the same position. With increased activity, the pain can also return.
Can A Chiropractor Help Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
Chiropractic care can often help with treating plantar fasciitis. Without proper care, the condition can get much worse. Chiropractors often recommend their patients try some techniques to help reduce the pain. Stretching the joints of the ankle when getting out of bed in the morning can help a person suffering from plantar fasciitis. This might help before they take their first step in the morning time. It is important that people who sit throughout the day keep active, perhaps doing some stretches and movements every 30 minutes to help keep the joints mobile. If a person is on their feet most of the day, they should rest their feet regularly and when experiencing pain they can place an ice bag over the area.
What Is IT Band Syndrome?
IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Syndrome) is another common problem many runners face. It can cause pain on the outer part of a person’s knee. The injury is often caused by activities that require people to bend their knees over and over again. Along with running, other people such as cyclists, hikers and those who walk long distance often get diagnosed with IT Band Syndrome. There are non-surgical treatments available that might heal IT Band Syndrome over time however in some severe cases surgery is necessary. Surgery is normally the last option after all else has failed.
One of the main reasons many runners suffer from IT Band Syndrome is because they often run on sloped surfaces. Often roads have a slope closer to the footpath. The runner’s outside foot is lower than their inner foot which tilts the hips and throws their body off. Running downhill can also cause similar issues.
Can A Chiropractor Treat IT Band Syndrome?
If you are feeling some of the symptoms IT Band Syndrome has, it is best that you speak to a medical professional early on. If you are diagnosed and treated during the early stages of IT Band Syndrome, the chances of the injury becoming more severe are reduced. Because the injury involves the pelvis and other muscles chiropractic treatment might respond well.
In some cases stretches and regular exercise can help ease the pain. Similar to Plantar Fascititis, an ice bag may also provide you with some pain relief. If you still are feeling pain after a few weeks of stretching, placing an ice bag on the area and regular exercise it is best you make an appointment with Maximize Life Chiropractic.
What Is The Cause Of Achilles Tendonitis?
Another issue that affects a large amount of runners every year is achilles tendonitis. Although the achilles tendon is the strongest and largest tendon in the human body, achilles tendonitis is a very common problem. It can be caused by a person who overuses their leg muscles. Many runners experience the condition because they might often run on uneven or hard surfaces. Experts advise runners to wear proper fitting footwear that supports both the foot and the ankle. Runners often feel pain in the heel that might get worse as they run. They might also notice swelling in their heel or calf. Some feel a stiffness in these areas.
People aged between 30 and 55 years old have a higher risk of being diagnosed with achilles tendonitis. It is also more common in men than in women. People who are obese have a higher risk of being diagnosed with the condition. Being overweight can often put more stress on the achilles tendon. In some cases reduced blood supply can be the cause and some people might be diagnosed with Achilles Tendonitis due to suffering from a previous injury.
How Is Achilles Tendonitis Treated?
If you are experiencing a lot of pain and think you might have achilles tendonitis, it is vital you speak to a medical professional in case you make the problem worse. There are lots of medicines available to help reduce the swelling and that offer some pain relief. There are support devices that decrease the pressure put on the achilles tendon. It is not uncommon for a person suffering from achilles tendonitis to have a splint or a brace to help with the condition. A chiropractor or physical therapist may be required. They can train you exercises to help with the movement and the strength. This might also offer some pain relief. These exercises can be done at home or in the workplace. If all other treatments fail your medical professional might recommend you to have surgery.
