Runner’s Knee: Finding Relief on the Run with Chiropractic Care

Dedicated runners know there’s nothing quite like the feeling of propelling yourself forward on the pavement, conquering kilometre after kilometre, trying to beat your best time. A few runners even experience runner’s high, a sensation of euphoria, reduced stress, and a lesser ability to feel pain.

But running also comes with its own physical challenges and potential for injuries due to its high-impact nature compounded with the repetition of the feet striking the ground, sending shockwaves up through the body.

What is Runner’s Knee?

One of the most common conditions is runner’s knee, or patellofemoral pain syndrome in medical jargon. It occurs when the cartilage under the kneecap becomes irritated or inflamed caused by the knee bending and extending repeatedly.

It can be experienced as anything from mild discomfort around the knee joint to more serious pain and can hinder your running progress and aspirations.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help With Runner’s Knee?

As healthcare practitioners who are specialized in treating musculoskeletal issues – including those affecting the knee – chiropractors focus on triggering the body’s natural ability to heal itself without the use of surgery or medication.

Here are a few ways chiropractic care may help with runner's knee:

Spinal Alignment

A misalignment in the spine may disrupt your body’ natural balance, causing some muscles to try to compensate, and that can put additional stress on the knee during running.

Chiropractors may restore proper alignment to your spine through gentle adjustments, which may reduce stress on the knee joint.

Soft Tissue Techniques

Tension in muscles may be released with soft tissue techniques such as myofascial release or Active Release Technique (ART), which may lead to reduced pressure on the knee and improved mobility.

Exercise and Stretching Recommendations

Your chiropractor may recommend specific exercises or stretches to strengthen the muscles around the knee in order to provide better support for the knee, improve overall flexibility and hopefully reduce the risk of future injuries.

Biomechanical Advice

After analyzing how you stand, how you walk and how you run, chiropractors may identify issues and may provide you with advice or suggestions on your running form or your footwear to promote better biomechanics and help reduce strain on your knees.

Holistic Advice

Chiropractors are health and wellness professionals, and as such, may offer lifestyle advice that supports the overall healing process. Your knees need time to heal and recover properly, so changes to your running routine such as rest days or cross-training may be required to assist your body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Other factors such as hydration and nutrition may be addressed as well.

What do I do if I have Runner’s Knee?

Any kind of exercise regimen is best tackled with the help of a healthcare professional such as a chiropractor who may offer various treatment options and overall health advice to alleviate pain symptoms at the root and promote proper healing.

Chiropractors may help runners by addressing body mechanics issues and by recommending personalized treatment plans designed to improve your performance and your overall health.

Better Health May Be For You: Call Dr. Lanoue

If you're struggling with the pain and discomfort of runner's knee, do yourself a favour and call Dr. Lanoue before you lace your shoes up and potentially aggravate the situation.

Dr. Lanoue and his team of health experts may be able to help you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle for many years to come.

Book Your Appointment with Dr. Lanoue