Preventing Pain in Runners

 Running is a movement that is natural to humans. It should be easy and pain-free. When runners feel pain while running or jogging, there is something wrong. At Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center of Nitro, WV, we want to help our patients resolve chiropractic issues before it becomes an office visit. In this article, we'll cover both how to avoid developing pain while running and what to do if you already have it. Dr. Jay McClanahan is a certified chiropractor with a passion for healthy exercise and training.

Why might someone feel pain while running?

There are a few different reasons someone might feel pain in their knees or other joints while running. Most often, weight and shock are not being properly distributed up the legs and spine. This causes excess wear on the tissues and ligaments, leading to pain. Other potential causes of running pain include too much exercise and underlying conditions.

How to Relieve Runners Pain at Home

There are several measures runners can take to prevent and relieve pain. The most important thing is the shoes they wear. Most shoes constrict the toes and don't offer enough support, worsening poor weight distribution across the feet and legs. Remember that humans originally ran on strong, bare feet. The closer a runner gets to that, the better. Runners can do targeted exercises to strengthen weak muscles in the legs and feet. It's also important to ensure proper form while running. The body works best in its proper anatomical position.

How can a chiropractor help relieve running pain?

At your initial consultation with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center, he'll identify the source of your running pain. He can then prescribe any relevant lifestyle changes and treatment methods to mitigate the issue. It can often be resolved by obtaining proper footwear and undergoing physical therapy. Other times, there is an underlying condition, and other measures may be necessary.

If at-home remedies aren't working, come visit Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center. We help people in the Nitro, WV, area overcome musculoskeletal conditions with natural chiropractic techniques. We can help you relieve pain and optimize your athletic performance. To schedule an initial consultation, contact us today at (304) 776-1520. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness.