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.

Shoes for a Healthy Gait

Healthy posture depends on a healthy gait. There are some shoes that provide healthy support for the musculoskeletal system, and some which only cause misalignments. Part of our mission at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro is providing patients with the information they need to care for their own spinal health, so let’s take a look at what patients should do the next time they need new shoes.

The healthiest shoes are those which are made of breathable material and provide support to the side as well as the bottom of the foot’s arch. There are many sandals being produced that do this, and shoe manufacturers are making dress shoes, flats, and flip flops that are more supportive than past models. But sneakers still have a major advantage in that the cuff and tongue stabilize the ankle, making it less likely to roll.

Shoes should be replaced when they no longer have adequate traction. For running shoes, this could mean every few months. When buying new shoes, shoppers are advised to go later in the day, when their feet have spread out a bit from bearing their weight. It is important to get each foot measured; they are often not the exact same size. If patients need additional support, we can provide them with customized orthotics.

Dr. Jay McClanahan operates the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 642 Cross Lanes Drive, Nitro, West Virginia, 25143. To schedule an appointment, visit Dr. J Back Doc WV or call 304-776-1520.