Why Runners Get Hurt
Whether you’re training for a 5K or putting in long miles on the trails, running injuries have a way of showing up—shin splints, creaky knees, tight hips, sore ankles, or even low back pain. At Back Pain Center, we work with runners of all ages and abilities by focusing on the entire body, not just the painful area.
That whole-body view matters because pain is often a compensation, not the actual cause. Shin splints may stem from foot or ankle stability issues, while knee pain can begin at the hip or pelvis. Limited mobility in the spine or pelvis can also disrupt stride mechanics and overload other tissues. This is why our first step is always a thorough evaluation of gait, joint mobility, strength, and training habits.
How We Help Runners Recover
Our approach is designed to uncover what’s really driving your symptoms and build strength for the long run. As O’Fallon chiropractor Dr. Matthew Nicholson explains, “If we can help, we’ll show you how—directly and honestly. If you need something different, we’ll point you to the right place.” The comprehensive approach we take to helping runners includes the following:
- Biomechanics-first care: Joint mobilization, stability work, and gait retraining to address root causes.
- Soft-tissue therapies: Myofascial release, dry needling, Active Release Technique, and cupping to calm irritated tissues.
- Strength with purpose: Targeted exercises for the feet, ankles, hips, and core to support efficient, durable stride patterns.
- Imaging when needed: Diagnostic ultrasound to assess tissue damage and guide safe return-to-run timelines.
Injury Prevention Tips to Try
Runners can take simple steps to reduce the risk of setbacks: progress gradually with training, rotate surfaces and shoes, warm up with brisk walking and dynamic drills, and include strength work for hips and calves twice per week. Most importantly, don’t ignore early warning signs—small tweaks are much easier to address than full injuries.
Get Back to Running Strong
Running should always feel good, not painful. With the proper diagnosis, clear guidance, and a plan tailored to your goals, it’s possible to train smarter, recover faster, and prevent future problems. If you’re ready to run better, not just patch pain, contact Back Pain Center in O’Fallon today to book your visit!