Training for the New York Marathon? The Boston Marathon? Maybe, more locally, the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon? As this is a season for running and training for spring marathons, we want to look at a condition that is commonly found amongst runners, known as Runner’s Knee, or Ilio-Tibial Band Syndrome (ITBS). Runner’s knee is a broad term describing pain experienced in the front of the knee and around the patella (kneecap). Pain and stiffness vary, but it can become so intense that it makes even the simplest daily activities
like getting out of bed or climbing stairs feel excruciating. No good, right? Listen to your body and let a professional chiropractic care facility like St. Paul Chiropractic and Natural Medicine Center help you get back to training quickly.
- What is runner’s knee? ITBS is often credited to over-training and happens when the outer casing of muscle, known as the iliotibial band, becomes stiffened. As the band thickens, it pulls in the area where it connects to the knee (the bursa). The bursa then becomes swollen, inflamed, and painful. When diagnosed early however, the chances of becoming a chronic condition are greatly reduced. Chiropractic adjustments and therapy provided by St. Paul Chiropractic have been helpful when dealing with ITBS.
- Tell me more about the iliotibial band: The iliotibial band is an outer casing of muscle that extends along the outer thigh, from the top of the hip to the outside of the knee. When one is standing, the muscle is flexed or tight. It is also what keeps your leg straight, allowing the larger thigh muscle to rest.
- Treatment options and chiropractic care: If the issues are caused by a problem with pelvic function, relieving the pain can be difficult. Stretching may bring temporary relief but is not likely to help long-term. With pain that persists for more than two weeks, even if you are only stretching, and you don’t see much improvement, a chiropractor can help. Chiropractors can treat runner’s knee, but most don’t know this. Gentle adjustments help realign the spine and other extremities to decrease inflammation especially when treating runner’s knee.
At St Paul Chiropractic and Natural Medicine Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota, we take the time to get to know each of our clients individually. We get to know you and your needs, design a customized care plan, and work to assist you in reaching your optimum health in as little time as possible. To schedule a consultation, call us at (651) 644-7207 or schedule an appointment online.