Have you
suffered from Achilles tendonitis, Patella/Knee tracking problems, hip bursitis
or IT Band Syndrome? Most people would question what those are… but for runners
whether they are doing it for recreational purposes or they do it
professionally for a living would be familiar with the terms. They are
considered the most common running-related injuries seen nowadays. So, how do
these injuries affect us and how do we treat it in the most natural way we
could possibly find?
Acute trauma or an over-use injury?
The
injuries mentioned above and those to follow can be categorized into two: Acute
trauma and an over-use injury. In the “over-use” category is pretty much
self-explanatory, they are acquired through time and from the word itself
overuse. Acute trauma on the other hand is very sudden like that of a broken
bone or torn ligament. As we go through this blog let us delve into some of
these injuries and see what can be done to cure them.
Achilles Tendonitis
The common site for a disabling
injury for runners is the Achilles tendon. It is the muscle connecting the heel
and the lower most part of the calf musculature. If your Achilles tendon gets
injured or is sore get it treated immediately and remember DO NOT run through
the pain, this will prevent a chronic problem later on. Make sure that the feet
are assessed for biomechanical problems. Some will be prescribed with Orthotics
or insoles and as a chiropractic treatment; soft heel-lifts will be effective.
Patella/Knee tracking problems
Patellar tracking disorder happens when the kneecap shifts
out of place as the leg bends or straightens. The shift can be go towards the
outside of the leg or towards the inside, but in most cases the former is more
common scenario. The kneecap is in place because of the tendons and ligaments
that surrounds it. The cartilage lines found in the underside of the kneecap
helps it glide along the groove at the end of your thighbone. The misalignment
of the kneecap can be caused by the rotating off track or shifting of the
kneecap because the groove is too shallow or the cartilage is damaged; the
muscles, tendons and ligaments are too loose or too tight.
If home treatment isn't enough to
reduce your knee problems, or if your knee is swollen, dislocated, giving way,
or causing you severe pain, see your doctor for evaluation. Knee problems are
often hard to distinguish from one another. So a thorough exam and accurate
diagnosis are essential for you to receive proper treatment. After confirming
that you have a patellar problem, your doctor will review your home treatment
measures and make further recommendations. You may be advised to have physical
therapy, use a custom brace or shoe inserts (orthotics), stabilize your knee
with tape or a neoprene brace, or lose excess weight.
Hip Bursitis
The Bursae (plural)/Bursa
(singular) is a fluid-filled sac functions to reduce friction between tissues
of the body. They are located adjacent to the tendons The major bursae are
located adjacent to the tendons near the large joints, such as the shoulders,
elbows, hips, and knees. When the bursa becomes inflamed, the condition is
known as "bursitis."
The
cause of the inflammation is noninfectious condition that could result from
either local soft-tissue trauma or strain injury. In very rare cases the sac can
be infected by bacteria, this is known as “Septic Bursitis.”
The treatment of any bursitis
depends on whether or not it involves infection. Noninfectious or aseptic hip
bursitis can be treated with ice compresses, rest, and anti-inflammatory and
pain medications. Occasionally, it requires aspiration of the bursa fluid. This
procedure involves removal of the fluid with a needle and syringe under sterile
conditions. It can be performed in the doctor's office. Sometimes the fluid is
sent to the laboratory for further analysis. Frequently, there is inadequate
fluid accumulation for aspiration. Noninfectious hip bursitis can be treated
with an injection of cortisone medication, often with an anesthetic, into the
swollen bursa. Cortisone injection is typically rapidly effective within two
days. This is sometimes done at the same time as the aspiration procedure.
Patients with hip bursitis can often benefit by weight reduction, stretching
exercises, and wearing proper footwear for exercise activities. Sometimes physical-therapy
programs can be helpful. Generally, patients should avoid hills and stairs and
direct pressure on the affected hip (sleep on the other side), when possible,
while symptoms are present. People with hip bursitis should also avoid
exercising on inclined surfaces and stairs, especially running hills, until
symptoms have resolved. Other exercises to avoid until the hip inflammation has
subsided include Stairmaster exercises.
IT Band Syndrome
When
running have you ever experience pain originating from the outside of your
knee, from the side of the hip all the way down past your knee? If yes, then
you could have what is called the Iliotibial Band
The
inflammation manifests itself as pain on the outside of the knee and can be
incredibly painful. This injury can be a very frustrating ordeal. Traditional
treatment of ITBS has focused mainly on stretching. While stretching plays an
important role in the treatment of this injury, there are several other forms
of therapy that need to be incorporated.
Given current research, treatment for ITBS should be in
phases. The first phase requires a proper diagnosis and the identification of
any causative factors. Once this is established, the next phase is aimed at
reducing the pain. Rest may have to play a part during this phase, which also
may include physical therapy modalities, ice, and stretching three times a day.
Cross training that does not aggravate the condition can be done to maintain
fitness.
References:
1.
Patellar Tracking Disorder - Treatment Overview
(2013). Webmd. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/tc/patellar-tracking-disorder-treatment-overview.
2.
Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/hip_bursitis/article.htm#what_is_hip_bursitis.
3.
Retrieved from: http://www.medicinenet.com/hip_bursitis/page3.htm#what_is_the_treatment_for_hip_bursitis
4.
Brian Fullem, D.P.M. Beating the Band (November
1, 2004). Retrieved from: http://www.runnersworld.com/injury-treatment/beating-band
