Preventing running injuries

Did you know the average person takes about 1,500 steps per mile when jogging? Through the repetitive movement and stress we place on our joints while jogging, runners increase their risk of getting injured. Many factors contribute to running injuries, including uneven surfaces, running the same route, and improper shoes. While wearing appropriate footwear and taking proper strides can help to reduce the likelihood of an injury, active runners should seek chiropractic care in order to ensure that their muscles, bones, and joints are properly aligned.

Prevent the need for joint replacement surgeries, which are on the rise. Running injuries can cause severe problems to the knees and other joints, and the rate at which this is occurring is steadily rising. Running is considered a high impact exercise, meaning that the joints in your knees, ankles, and hips take a great deal of force every time you land. These exercises naturally carry higher rates of injury than low impact exercises. Therefore, make sure to take early precautions to prevent the need for a joint replacement surgery later on, which not only is costly but can also be risky.

Chiropractic care prevents and reduces degeneration in the joints. By keeping the joints properly aligned, chiropractic care reduces the impact that exercise like running has on the knees and other joints. With proper care, chiropractors can increase joint mobility which in turn can reduce the development of adhesions. With injuries, the body undergoes inflammation which is not only painful but can cause degeneration in the joints over time.

We can help you keep up with your activities and help prevent injuries down the road (such as bursitis, tendonitis, IT band syndrome, foot and back pain). We can provide advice as well as various stretching exercises to help you minimize your risk of developing an injury so you can continue to enjoy your runs pain-free! We will be happy to meet with you and to discuss how to ensure that your exercise regimen is not increasing your risk of injury. Not only can we help to prevent immediate injuries, but proper care can help to prevent long-term problems as well.

Chiropractic care can be used to realign and properly balance the spine, pelvis, and surrounding joints. An imbalanced spine leads to an awkward gait, which will put more pressure on one leg than the other and can even result in twisting or improper movement of your legs while running. At Onkels Chiropractic, we examine the spine for any misalignments which can cause a distribution of pressure and tension throughout the body. Keeping the spine, pelvis, and other joints aligned helps ensure that you are running with the correct gait.

Give us a call at (818) 841-2442 and we can discuss ways to keep your joints in peak physical condition.