Runner’s Knee Pain

Runner’s Knee Pain

Runner's knee is a common problem with runners as well as individuals or athletes who require a lot of knee bending -- like walking, biking, and jumping. It usually causes aching pain around the kneecap.

Runner's knee isn't really a condition itself. It's a term for several knee problems with different causes. Runner's knee can result from:

• Overuse. Repeated bending of the knee can irritate the nerves of the kneecap. Overstretched tendons may also cause the pain of runner's knee.
• Direct trauma to the knee, like a fall or blow.
• Misalignment. If any of the bones are slightly out of their correct position -- or imbalanced -- physical stress won't be evenly distributed through your body. Certain parts of your body may bear too much weight. This can cause pain and damage to the joints. Sometimes, the kneecap itself is slightly out of position.
• Problems with the feet. Runner's knee can result from flat feet, also called fallen arches or overpronation. This is a condition in which the impact of a step causes the arches of your foot to collapse, stretching the muscles and tendons.
• Weak thigh muscles.

Runner's knee is also called patellofemoral pain syndrome.

What Does Runner's Knee Feel Like?

Symptoms of runner's knee are:

• Pain behind or around the kneecap, especially where the thighbone and the kneecap meet
• Pain when you bend the knee -- when walking, squatting, kneeling, running, or even sitting
• Pain that's worse when walking downstairs or downhill
• Swelling
• Popping or grinding sensations in the knee

Fitworks Corrective Therapy has been successful in helping clients relieve runner’s knee pain because of musculoskeletal imbalances naturally without surgery or pain pills. By building and stretching the muscles the imbalances go away as well as the pain.  Give Fitworks Corrective Therapy a call today to get a free posture evaluation and discover what is causing you pain.

Resources: WebMD

Gary Rumel, Corrective Therapist

Fitworks Corrective Therapy

www.fitworksutah.com

The Truth About Back Pain

The Truth About Back Pain

It might be a sharp stab. It might be a dull ache. Sooner or later, eight out of 10 of us will have back pain. Back pain is common -- and so are back pain myths.

Myth: Always Sit Up Straight

Okay, slouching is bad for your back. But sitting up too straight and still for long periods can also be a strain on the back. If you sit a lot, try this a few times a day: Lean back in your chair with your feet on the floor and a slight curve in your back. Even better: Try standing for part of the day, while on the phone or while reading work materials.

Myth: Don't Lift Heavy Objects

It's not necessarily how much you lift, it's how you lift. Of course you shouldn't lift anything that might be too heavy for you. When you lift, squat close to the object with your back straight and head up. Stand, using your legs to lift the load. Do not twist or bend your body while lifting or you may hurt your back.

Myth: Bed Rest Is the Best Cure

Yes, resting can help an acute injury or strain that causes back pain. But it's a myth that you should stay in bed. A day or two in bed can make your back pain worse.

Myth: Pain Is Caused by Injury

Disc degeneration, injuries, diseases, inherited conditions and even muskeletol imbalances can cause back pain.

Fact: More Pounds, More Pain

Staying fit helps prevent back pain. Back pain is most common among people who are out of shape, especially weekend warriors who engage in vigorous activity after sitting around all week. And as you might guess, obesity stresses the back.

Myth: Skinny Means Pain-Free

Anyone can get back pain. In fact, people who are too thin, such as those suffering from anorexia, an eating disorder, may suffer bone loss resulting in fractured or crushed vertebrae.

Myth: Exercise Is Bad for Back Pain

A big myth. Regular exercise prevents back pain. And for people suffering an acute injury resulting in lower back pain, doctors may recommend an exercise program that begins with gentle exercises and gradually increases in intensity. Once the acute pain subsides, an exercise regimen may help prevent future recurrence of back pain.

Myth: Firmer Mattresses Are Better

A Spanish study of people with longstanding, non-specific back pain showed that those who slept on a medium-firm mattress -- rated 5.6 on a 10-point hard-to-soft scale -- had less back pain and disability than those who slept on a firm mattress (2.3 on the scale) mattress. However, depending on their sleep habits and the cause of their back pain, different people may need different mattresses.

Fact:  Corrective Therapy

Fitworks Correct Therapy is a natural, risk-free solution to back pain. The Fitworks technique is not just a pain management program, it's a pain elimination program, designed to improve posture, increase flexibility and loosen muscle tissue, resulting in overall superior health. Even the severest of muscular or skeletal problems can have immediate relief, such as: bulging or herniated disc; neck, back, hip, knee, or ankle pain; scoliosis; kyphosis; lordosis  These painful conditions and more can be treated and have relief within weeks of training therapy, rather than with pain medications, body braces and surgery. After working with hundreds of patients, Fitworks continues to be a safe, effective and long-lasting solution to neck, back, joint and muscle pain across the spectrum.

Information gathered from http://www.medicinenet.com

Gary Rumel, Corrective Therapist

FitworksCorrective Therapy

www.fitworksutah.com