Fort Collins is home to avid runners of all kinds. Whether it’s a Saturday morning jog or an ultramarathon this city is a mecca for those who want to move on two feet. Some folks are happy to take a leisurely run while others are gearing up for competition. No matter what level of runner you are there’s always room to run easier. The feeling of ease in your body equates to a feeling of joy and exhilaration when you run faster or longer than you have before.
We know those of you reading this are probably thinking of how can I feel more free when I run? You have tried all the tricks…hit heel to toe, no midfoot, no forefoot…stand tall, breathe easier…squeeze the glutes…push off with the toes…and some of these things help. But in a couple minutes you forget about the glutes and you are slouching. You just want to run and enjoy it, not think about when your butt should be contracting. Add a few aches and pains to the equation and the run is not so exhilarating anymore. What if you could run better without thinking about it? What if you could run without discomfort? What would it feel like to run ‘free?’
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Have you stopped running because of pain in the back of your knee? Maybe you are still putting on the miles, but you are left with a nagging, achy pain the next day? Your pace has slowed, and stride has shortened. The knee hurts and is hard to extend. Pain meds help, but the pain is still there. You’ve tried stretching your calf and hamstring muscles. The foam roller has become your best friend. But nothing seems to work.
Did you know there is a tiny muscle called the popliteus that sits right behind the knee? You would not think such a tiny muscle could cause an issue. The pain you are experiencing, the nagging discomfort keeping you from running may be a popliteus problem. Today’s blog is a special entry for all you runners. Some of you are avid runners putting in your miles in all types of weather conditions. The rest of you are getting excited that summer is around the corner, trail conditions will be prime, and it’s time to lace up your ‘sneaks.’ Either way running is a big part of your life. It’s your way to get healthy and reduce stress. Maybe it’s the way you keep your ‘competitive edge’ or it’s that time you get to dedicate to yourself. No matter why running is important to you, “Running is Life.” But what happens when an injury slows you down or puts a halt to the thing you Love to do? Maybe it hasn’t stopped you and you just ‘run through that hip/knee/ankle/calf/foot pain.’ But why are you running from your injury? Many people tend to run from physical therapy and just push through their pain. Some just keep running despite a nagging injury because they are afraid they may be told to ease up, rest a little, or stop running for a little while. The truth is, running through your pain doesn’t make it better, and you may all ready know that. In this blog we will talk what it’s like to run with a nagging injury and how to overcome them, if you are willinig to choose the best option for resolving your injury.
Runner’s knee (patella-femoral syndrome) is one of those nagging pains that just does not seem to go away. Now, you don’t have to be a runner to have this type of knee pain, but it is common with runners. And let me tell you that unless you directly injured your knee from an impact or some other trauma, the chances are it’s not your knee that’s the issue.
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AuthorI'm just a guy helping active adults and athletes frustrated by nagging aches and pains naturally return to a healthy lifestyle. Archives
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