Austin Chiropractor Tip: Running Can Hurt…Orthotics Can Help!
Ever since the days of cavemen, running has been a popular thing for people to do. Of course, back then, it was more likely to be done in order to catch that night’s dinner, but it still provides a few uses for us today. The most important benefit of running is how it helps to keep us in shape and help to provide us with a longer and healthier life. Running allows you to lose fat, decrease blood pressure, build muscle, and other healthful benefits. For some, however, running provides a constant source of pain in the legs and feet and forces some to quit the exercise altogether.
If you have spent any time at all talking about exercise with others you may have heard common sayings like “I can’t run, it hurts my knees.” or “Running is no good for your ankles.” The fact is running DOES put tremendous stress on your legs and feet and can lead to a host of painful ailments.
The top 3 sources of pain that runners develop in my experience as practicing Austin Chiropractor are those that develop in the Achilles tendon (the back part of your foot), Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain) and Patellofemoral discomfort (knee pain.) This makes perfect sense if you take a look at the mechanics of a runner going through the motions. First of all, the foot lands on the ground heel first…thus the heel pain that can result. Secondly, the actual impact of the leg hitting the ground means that the knee will take the brunt of the force which can result in trauma over time. Finally, the constant bending of the angle results in the Achilles tendon often popping like the string of a bow and can result in tiny micro tears that, over time, can cause excruciating pain and limit range of motion.
It’s no wonder why so many people decide to give up running! With the threat of ongoing pain and their assumption that running is the root cause, many decide to give up this beloved activity and opt for another workout or in some cases, quit exercising altogether. This is NOT the best alternative I can assure you, but I DO have a solution: Orthotics.
For those who are new to the term, Orthotics is the science of dealing with corrective issues of the joints and limbs. In this case, we are talking about the subject of SHOE INSERTS. You see, for all the injuries and maladies we have discussed above, most of them are caused by slight GAIT ABNORMALITIES. That means “running funny”.
The body is actually designed to run and if your foot falls heel to toe in perfect fashion and all weight is distributed evenly, then most of the time, no pain will occur at all. This is seldom the case, however, as even slight misalignments and abnormalities in how you run and how your feet land on the ground can cause the pain that we described above.
Most people that begin to feel pain from the impact of running simply assume it is “bad” for them and quit doing it altogether rather than seek relief. Those that DO seek relief often just opt for a new pair of running shoes. This MAY help somewhat, but for true pain relief, custom Orthotics are often what is needed.
Chiropractors in Austin TX have found that a custom Orthotic can oftentimes be a perfect solution for those that suffer from pain due to the impact that results from running. The process involves either taking mold of your foot, or using a pressure sensitive pad that you step on that will take a “picture” of your foot, or in some cases a combination of the two, to help the doctor understand exactly how your feet work when walking and running.
Processes like these can be used to determine what areas of the feet receive the most pressure when landing on the ground and will help the doctor determine what areas need the most support. This data, including a mold of the foot, will be used to create a custom Orthotic flexible shoe insert that will then act to provide overall support for your feet and legs while running and/or performing other high impact movements. The process is both simple and relatively inexpensive and has been responsible for getting thousands of runners back on their feet and enjoying the exercise they love…PAIN FREE!
So, if heel pain, ankle pain or knee pain has kept you from regularly enjoying a jog along beautiful Lady Bird Lake, here in Austin Texas, or wherever you may be, make sure you are examined by a qualified physician who has experience with orthotics to get a comprehensive evaluation today. A quality set of custom Orthotics may be exactly what the doctor ordered!
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