Runner’s knee
If you’re a runner in Redding, California, knee pain can quickly turn your favorite activity into a frustrating challenge. One of the most common causes of knee pain in runners is runner’s knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).
What Is Runner’s Knee?
Runner’s knee typically refers to pain around or behind the kneecap (patella). It often develops gradually and may become worse with running, squatting, climbing stairs, jumping, or sitting for long periods.
Despite its name, runner’s knee isn’t limited to runners. It can affect athletes and active individuals whose lower-extremity mechanics place increased stress on the patellofemoral joint.
Several factors may contribute to runner’s knee, including changes in training volume, muscle weakness or imbalance, limited joint mobility, and altered movement mechanics. Because the knee works as part of a larger kinetic chain, problems involving the foot, ankle, knee, hip, or pelvis may influence how forces are transferred through the leg.
How Can Chiropractic Help Runner’s Knee?
At Vertical Chiropractic in Redding, CA, we look beyond the location of your pain. A Gonstead chiropractic approach emphasizes detailed analysis to identify areas of altered joint motion and biomechanics that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Rather than simply focusing on the painful knee, a Gonstead chiropractor may evaluate the spine, pelvis, hips, knees, ankles, and feet to determine whether restrictions or mechanical imbalances are affecting your movement.
Specific chiropractic adjustments may help improve joint motion and mechanics in areas that are contributing to abnormal stress through the lower extremity. Chiropractic care can also be used alongside appropriate strengthening, mobility work, training modifications, and other rehabilitation strategies when necessary.
Don’t Let Knee Pain Keep You From Running
Runner’s knee doesn’t have to mean giving up the activities you enjoy. If you’re experiencing persistent knee pain while running, getting the underlying mechanics evaluated may be an important step toward getting back to doing what you love.
If you’re looking for Gonstead chiropractic care in Redding, California, contact Vertical Chiropractic to schedule an evaluation and find out whether your spinal and lower-extremity mechanics could be contributing to your knee pain.
