Running is one of the simplest ways to stay active, but it’s not always easy on your knees. Discomfort while running—whether it’s a sharp twinge or a lingering ache—can quickly take the joy out of your routine and make it harder to stay consistent. For some, it even leads to giving up running altogether.
While rest, ice, and painkillers are often the go-to solutions, they usually only mask the pain without solving what’s really causing it. This is where chiropractic care can offer something different. By looking at how your body moves and identifying imbalances in your spine, hips, or feet, chiropractors can help get to the root of your knee pain—so you can feel better and stay moving. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the causes of your knee pain and how chiropractic care can help!
Why Am I Experiencing Knee Pain When Running?
Knee pain during running can stem from various sources, and identifying the specific cause is essential for effective treatment. While many assume the problem originates in the knee, the reality is often more complex.
Common Types of Runner’s Knee Pain
Runner’s knee isn’t a single condition but rather a term encompassing several distinct issues.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), often called “runner’s knee,” involves pain around or behind the kneecap that typically worsens when running downhill or descending stairs. Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) causes pain on the outside of the knee, especially after running longer distances.
Other conditions affecting runners include patellar tendinitis (inflammation in the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone) and meniscus issues (problems with the cartilage that cushions the knee joint). Each of these conditions presents slightly differently and may require specific approaches to treatment.
The Biomechanical Chain
Your body functions as an interconnected system where problems in one area can manifest as pain elsewhere. Many cases of knee pain actually originate from issues in the feet, hips, or spine. Flat feet or excessive pronation can alter your running mechanics, placing additional stress on your knees. Similarly, pelvic misalignment or spinal issues can affect your gait and weight distribution, increasing pressure on the knee joints.
This kinetic chain concept explains why treating only the painful knee often yields incomplete results. A comprehensive approach must consider how your entire body moves during running and address any imbalances throughout the system.
How Chiropractic Care Addresses Runner’s Knee Pain
A chiropractic evaluation for runner’s knee pain typically begins with a thorough assessment that goes far beyond examining just the painful knee. Your chiropractor will analyze your gait (running and walking patterns), assess spinal alignment, check pelvic balance, and evaluate the function of your feet, ankles, and hips.
This comprehensive approach often reveals contributing factors that other healthcare providers might miss. For instance, slightly uneven leg lengths due to pelvic misalignment can create asymmetrical stress on your knees during running. By identifying these underlying issues, your chiropractor can develop a treatment plan that addresses the true sources of your knee pain.
Based on the findings from your assessment, your Bessemer chiropractor may perform specific adjustments to restore proper alignment and function throughout your body. These adjustments aren’t limited to the spine—chiropractors are trained to adjust extremities, including the small joints in the feet, ankles, and knees themselves.
Adjustments help restore normal joint motion, reduce nerve irritation, and improve overall biomechanics. Many runners experience immediate improvements in comfort and movement quality following chiropractic adjustments, although a series of treatments is typically necessary for lasting results.
Beyond hands-on treatment, your chiropractor can provide valuable guidance on improving your running form to reduce stress on your knees. Small modifications to your stride length, foot strike pattern, or body positioning can significantly reduce the forces transmitted through your knee joints during running.
When you’re ready to tackle your knee pain, the Premier Chiropractic Center team is here to help. Book your appointment with us today!
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