As a runner, you probably crave the freedom of an open trail and the exhilarating reward of an endorphin rush. Therefore, if you develop an injury, shelving your sneakers can feel like a true loss. Luckily, many common runners’ ailments can be prevented and treated by a chiropractor. To avoid taking time off, use the following guide to see how it works.

The Most Common Running Injuries

In addition to causing muscle tears and tension, running can affect the bones and ligaments in your legs. For example, iliotibial (IT) band syndrome involves the ligament that connects your hip to the outside of your knee—an area that undergoes plenty of stress when running. If this ligament gets too thick, it rubs against your knee bone and becomes inflamed.

Runner’s knee is another common injury caused by repetitive motion, such as training for a race or marathon. If your kneecap is misaligned, the cartilage around it rubs against surrounding bones and ligaments, slowly eroding. As a result, runners can experience pain whenever they bend their knees, such as when sitting or walking up the stairs. Other running injuries include shin splints—inflammation of tendons, muscles, and bone tissue around the shinbone—and Achilles tendinitis, an inflamed Achilles tendon caused by tight calves.

How Chiropractic Treatment Can Help

When you’re focused on one sport or exercise, certain parts of your body become exceptionally strong. Unfortunately, that may cause other muscles to become relatively weak, throwing off the balance of muscle tension in your body. When some muscles are tighter than others, they can pull your bones, ligaments, and tendons out of alignment—including your spine. This can have a snowball effect, causing further pain and ailments throughout the body.

Luckily, a chiropractor can use adjustments to bring your spine back into alignment. Once this stability is established, you’ll stand with corrected posture and run with improved form, reducing the strain on your hips, legs, ankles, and feet. Since many adjustments are either preceded or followed by massage therapy, your visit to the chiropractor’s office can also reduce tension in the muscles you use most, preventing them from pulling your hard tissues back out of alignment.

If you’re tired of dealing with running injuries, contact Eastern Hills Chiropractic of Cincinnati, OH. Since 1988, they’ve been helping athletes return to their sports with less pain and more peace of mind. In addition to adjustments, they also offer nutrition advice and massage therapy so you can formulate a well-rounded approach to your health. To learn more about their services, visit the website or call (513) 528-2200 today.