As an athlete or physically active individual, the last thing you want to face is sports-related injuries that can keep you out of the game. Whether you’re a seasoned marathon runner, a weekend hiker, or a basketball player, the risk of injury is an inherent part of being active. However, when these injuries occur, how you approach your recovery can significantly impact your future performance and comfort.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a range of common sports-related injuries to see a chiropractor about and the benefits of seeking chiropractic care.
Runners Knee
Runner’s knee, or Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), is one of the most common overuse injuries among athletes. Athletes who experience runner’s knee often have pain and tenderness behind and around the kneecap, especially when walking, running, squatting, or climbing stairs. Individuals with runner’s knee may also experience a popping or grinding sensation in the knee when walking or otherwise moving it.
Common Causes of Runner’s Knee?
The causes of runner’s knee can vary, but it typically stems from overuse, a misaligned kneecap, or other imbalances in the musculoskeletal system. For instance, weak quadriceps or tight hamstrings put extra stress on the kneecap, leading to pain and discomfort.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that affects the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. This injury often presents as a sharp pain, usually in the heel area, and can make standing or walking an uncomfortable experience. In extreme cases, the individual’s pain may be so severe that they can’t perform daily tasks.
Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis?
Athletes who participate in running, dancing, or high jumping are the most likely to develop plantar fasciitis due to the required movements for those sports. Engaging in sports without stretching or giving your body adequate time to recover can weaken, swell, or cause inflammation in the muscle.
Individuals may also experience this injury if the calf muscles and Achilles tendon are too tight on the plantar fascia, causing tension and pain in the heel.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis causes aching or burning pain in the back of the leg near the heel due to inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This condition affects the area above the heel where the calf muscles and Achilles tendon meet.
Common Causes of Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis can occur from overusing the tendon during activities like running or climbing. Inadequate stretching of the calf muscles before exercise, sudden intensity increases, and switching exercise surfaces abruptly—from treadmill to outdoor jogging—can also lead to this common sports-related injury.
Shin Splints
Shin splints describe the pain along the inner edge of the tibia or shinbone. This condition is common in runners; however, any athlete regularly involved in activities that require extreme accelerations and decelerations can encounter this injury.
Common Causes of Shin Splints
Wearing the wrong type of shoes, running on a hard surface, or increasing the intensity of a workout too rapidly are among the most common causes of shin splints. An individual may also experience shin splints due to weak stabilizing muscles in the core or lower leg or poor running technique.
Tennis Elbow
Another common sports-related injury to see a chiropractor about is tennis elbow, which affects the outer part of the elbow. Some of the most common symptoms of tennis elbow include pain, tenderness, and stiffness in this area. These symptoms can be especially prominent when gripping or lifting objects.
Common Causes of Tennis Elbow
Contrary to its name, this injury can impact athletes of any sport that requires repetitive swinging motions of the arm and wrist. This repeated motion can lead to microtears in the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, causing pain and inflammation.
Stress Fractures and Sprains
Stress fractures and sprains are two other common sports-related injuries that can occur to athletes. Both injuries can be quite painful and caused by sports accidents, overuse, or poor technique. Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone, while sprains involve stretching or tearing of ligaments.
Common Causes of Stress Fractures and Sprains
Stress fractures and sprains are both injuries that result from overuse, trauma, or improper technique. Moreover, factors such as inadequate rest or insufficient conditioning can increase the risk of these injuries.
Back and Neck Pain
As an athlete, back and neck injuries can be especially frustrating, as they can severely impair performance. These types of injuries occur due to repetitive motions, poor posture, muscle overuse, or trauma. If left untreated, neck or back pain can lead to further discomfort, such as headaches and muscle spasms.
Common Causes of Back and Neck Pain
Back and neck pain can result from a wide range of activities, from heavy weightlifting to a sports accident such as a collision on the field. During weightlifting, you should always have a spotter or exercise in front of a mirror to ensure you follow proper form and avoid the risk of injury.
Why Should You Visit a Chiropractor for Treatment?
Living an active lifestyle is crucial for your overall well-being, and seeking chiropractic care can help you get back to the activities you love at a healthy pace. A professional can get to the root cause of your injury and provide you with holistic treatment.
Individualized Treatment for Maximum Recovery
Chiropractic care focuses on the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Through spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and rehabilitative exercises, chiropractors help patients find relief from pain, improve their range of motion, and prevent injury recurrence. These licensed specialists consider the entire musculoskeletal system during treatment, which can lead to a more comprehensive approach to recovery.
The Natural Approach to Healing
Many athletes prefer chiropractic care because it offers natural, non-invasive therapies to address injuries. These can include adjustments to the spine and modalities such as massage and nutritional counseling.
Most chiropractors specialize in specific treatment options tailored for each patient to ensure a speedy recovery. They also educate patients on preventing future injuries.
Make an Appointment With Us
Harbor Wellness Co is a sports chiropractor in Mt. Pleasant, SC, that offers chiropractic care to athletes of all levels. We understand the importance of keeping your body in top condition and can help you achieve optimal performance and comfort. Don’t let sports-related injuries hold you back—schedule an appointment with us today and take control of your health.
