Running injuries are common among athletes at every level — from weekend joggers to competitive racers. Our Minneapolis chiropractors treat the full range of running-related injuries, helping you recover fully and get back on the road or trail.
Shin Splints
This running injury often causes pain along either side of the lower leg. Symptoms vary greatly, from a dull tightness to a genuinely painful area along the lower leg. Shin splints occur more often in athletes starting a new running or aerobic program.
Achilles Tendonitis
Inflammation of the tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel. It can feel stiff at the beginning of a run and improve during the workout, with pain ranging from a dull ache to acute, knife-like, sharp shooting pain during running or walking.
Stress Fracture
Usually located in the lower leg (tibia or fibula) or one of the metatarsals (toes), with the 2nd and 3rd toes being most common. Stress fractures can be difficult to diagnose in early stages and are sometimes confused with shin splints.
Runner’s Knee (Knee Pain)
Usual symptoms include pain directly under the kneecap or in the surrounding area, often worsened by climbing or descending stairs. Runner’s knee typically responds well to treatment from our Minneapolis chiropractors.
Plantar Fasciitis (Foot Pain)
A common running injury that varies from slight tightness in the bottom of the foot to intense heel pain that may worsen when getting out of bed in the morning and lessen after a few steps. An X-ray will sometimes reveal a “heel spur” on the bottom of the heel. Plantar fasciitis is usually due to over-pronation of the foot and ankle while walking and running, and pain is often more severe when running on the balls of the feet. Lyn Lake Chiropractic can help with adjusting the feet, ankle and extremities, massage, ultrasound, laser, and taping — we’re also glad to assess your running or sport shoes and suggest the proper footwear your body needs.
Ilio-Tibial Band Syndrome
This running injury can manifest anywhere along the length of this highly fibrous connective tissue, running from the top of the hip to just below the knee. At its worst, pain can be intense at either the outside of the hip or the outside of the knee. A complete biomechanical evaluation, foot to hip, is needed to diagnose the problem and prevent further injury. Note that stretching can sometimes aggravate this type of running injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
What running injuries do you treat?
We treat shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, and IT band syndrome, among other running-related conditions.
Can chiropractic care help with plantar fasciitis?
Yes. We treat plantar fasciitis with foot, ankle, and extremity adjustments, massage, ultrasound, laser therapy, and taping, and can also assess your running shoes to help correct contributing biomechanics.
How do I know if I have shin splints or a stress fracture?
Both can present as pain along the lower leg, and stress fractures can be difficult to distinguish from shin splints in early stages — a proper evaluation is needed to tell them apart and treat them correctly.
Should I stretch if I have IT band syndrome?
Not necessarily — stretching can sometimes aggravate IT band syndrome. A full biomechanical evaluation from hip to foot is the better first step.
Can you help me choose the right running shoes?
Yes. We’re glad to assess your current running or sport shoes and suggest footwear better suited to your body and running mechanics.