Can Chiropractic Care Help Runner’s Knee?
Running is one of the most liberating activities there is. However, runners put their bodies through a ton of stress in order to participate in the sport they love. The constant pounding and impact that occurs during a run can injure muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
The knee tends to be the most affected joint in runners. In fact, knee injuries in this population have become so common that there is a specific condition known simply as “runner’s knee.” In this article, we will review the topic of runner’s knee and investigate whether or not chiropractic care is a viable treatment option for this condition.
What Is Runner’s Knee?
Runner’s knee is a fairly general term that is diagnosed when highly active individuals begin to feel a dull ache around their kneecaps. Sometimes, clinicians will refer to this condition as PFPS or patellofemoral pain syndrome.
What are the Symptoms of Runner’s Knee?
While there are a few common symptoms of runner’s knee, the most frequent complaint is aching kneecap pain. However, patients may also report clicking, grinding, or a combination of symptoms.
Who Can Suffer from Runner’s Knee?
As you might expect, runner’s knee is commonly seen in those who run a lot throughout the week. However, almost anyone can suffer from runner’s knee. Those who are on their feet all day at work may also develop this issue.
Additionally, people who walk or run with suboptimal form are more likely to experience the condition. This is due to the fact that the forces they experience during runs or walks will be inappropriately distributed throughout their joints. When this happens, joint surfaces slowly wear down, leading to painful degenerative conditions like runner’s knee.
How is Runner’s Knee Diagnosed?
Most clinicians are able to diagnose runner’s knee from physical examination and patient history alone. However, in some cases, it may be prudent to order x-rays. These images will show the extent of any damage and can help to rule out other pathologies.
What are the Common Treatments for Runner’s Knee?
There are a few different ways to treat runner’s knee. One option, which typically doesn’t appeal to runners, is to take time off from activity to allow the knee to heal. This is one of the best ways (in combination with other treatments) to encourage healing.
Alternatively, some clinicians may recommend bracing. By wearing a brace or using specific taping techniques, runners may be able to better dissipate the force their knees experience during a run so that they can feel less pain.
There are also medicinal options that some doctors will recommend for the treatment of runner’s knee. Pain medications such as Tylenol and others can be used to help runners cope with their symptoms. Unfortunately, these medications do little to address the underlying issue. In fact, they often simply mask the painful symptoms and may even lead to worse outcomes in the long term.
Chiropractic Care and Runner’s Knee
So, how can chiropractic care help alleviate the symptoms of runner’s knee?
Chiropractors work to keep the spine in optimal alignment. In doing so, they help the body process pain and heal from a variety of conditions. Case in point, when someone is suffering from runner’s knee, a spinal manipulation in the correct area can help to improve nerve conduction to and from the knee. As a result, healing factors can more easily reach the knee, enabling the patient to experience fewer symptoms.
Are you a runner who’s been dealing with nagging knee pain? If so, you might benefit from an evaluation at Anchor Health Chiropractic, your Noblesville chiropractor. Schedule your appointment with us today!
