Runners want to avoid stress fractures which many believe are due to impact and overtraining. These types of injuries can stop your training and they can be painful. If you are increasing your mileage or speed or both, it is best to do it gradually as it is believed that increasing either speed or distance too fast will result in a stress fracture or another type of injury. Doctors now understand that a stress reaction can proceed with a stress fracture. I have been to many seminars that recommend that if you suspect a stress reaction or an inflammation of the underlying bone marrow, these patients should have an MRI to diagnose it properly. At $800 just to find out that you are not running for 6 weeks while this heals, why not just stop running for 6 weeks anyway? Does overtraining cause these types of injuries? The truth is; over training will worsen problems due to repetitive impact. If this was not the case, why are there so many long-distance runners not having these problems? To fully understand problems resulting in stress reactions or fractures, who you see first matters the most. Sports chiropractors are trained in understanding the holistic nature of running and looking for the cause of impact injuries. Your first visit will be a comprehensive history, and exam looking for your flexibility and understanding core function, body style, and the way you move. During evaluations, it is sometimes helpful to do a short treadmill video if the problem is chronic to see if bad gait habits are causing the problem. Chiropractors will treat using manipulation, myofascial release, and exercises to strengthen the legs, feet, and core. Foot orthotics are often recommended to help resolve gait asymmetries. If a stress reaction is suspected, an MRI can be ordered however, chiropractors will usually offer sensible advice that will help you recover quickly and will work to improve how you move. I recently found this informative article on stress reactions from a Canadian running magazine. Check it out below What is a stress reaction, and how can you prevent one? Molly Seidel missed world championships because of a stress reaction; how can the rest of us stay injury-free? KEELEY MILNE AUGUST 11, 2022 Stress injuries: the basics Readers may be more familiar with the term “stress fracture,” which is further along the stress injury spectrum. (In other words, a stress reaction may lead to a stress fracture if left untreated.) The cause of the initial reaction (and subsequent possible fracture) is usually overuse, as opposed to more serious traumatic types and of fractures from falls or other accidents. Stress injuries are classified upon diagnosis: early (stress reaction) or late (stress fracture). A stress reaction can be considered similar to a deep bone bruise. A stress fracture is a small hairline crack in the bone. Read more Do you need help now? Book online here.