Runner's Knee

By: Nathan Worden

Hey guys, 

I was working with a runner this week who came to me with pain on the inside of her right knee. She said she had gone for a run that morning and her right shin was also feeling tight (shin splints). I started to asses her and noticed her right foot as a bunion on that right foot.  

The bunion is produced by the big toe being forced inward causing the joint at the big toe taking all the force when she takes every stride during her run. Numerous factors could be causing this. The most likely factor is, not her running shoe, but the dress shoes she wears all day at work. If you're a runner, then go get fit for a quality shoe by a good running store. 

 An additional corrective we used was to use RockTape to tape her foot along her toe and foot to help her brain pick up on the correct movement pattern that the toe needs to be straight. We also taped her shin to help relieve the tightness. These are only assisting the correction for her running gate.

When the proceeded to use the Trigger Point Quad Baller roller to release the VMO muscle on her interior right thigh. A weak or inactive flute muscles on the right side is another source as to why all of this is occurring. Using the FMS screen's deep squat revealed this chain of events. All of these are contributing to why the area around the knee is feeling pain. 

This is why we use movement assessments like FMS screen to find the actual source of the dysfunction. RockTape and Trigger Point Therapy, when applied correctly, help with her preparation for her runs. To further help her, exercises like the deadlift and kettlebell swing will strengthen her hips and back in order to keep better posture while she runs.

All of these things feed off each other. The body likes to use the path of least resistance and can create poor relationships when is comes to movement. With the right preparation and specific exercises, you can create proper relationships when you move.

Yours in Strength,

Nathan 


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