UK Launches Runner's Clinic
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 21, 2011) — Running is more than just a hobby for many people; some consider it a way of life.
For those who take running seriously, the University of Kentucky has launched Kentucky's first clinic designed specifically to care for their needs.
The new UK HealthCare Runner's Clinic staffs a multidisciplinary team of caregivers who have experience treating runners, including sports medicine primary care physician Dr. Scott Black, orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Christian Lattermann, physical therapist Kelly Eversole, and physical therapy researcher Brian Noehren.
Running is a high-impact form of exercise, and the stress of its movements can take a toll on a runner's body. Runners may experience a wide variety of leg injuries, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), shin splints, or runner's knee.
"Injuries in runners tend to be very common, due to the repetitive nature of the activity," said Dr. Black. "Generally, we see a lot of chronic overuse injuries, but acute injuries such as broken bones can occur as well."
Patients coming to the clinic will initially receive an extensive evaluation of their injuries by one of the physicians, who will refer them to the appropriate treatment — such as physical therapy — if necessary.
However, the clinic's physicians also hope to see patients before they're injured. In addition to receiving injury treatment services, runners can separately purchase a 3-D gait analysis to evaluate their running style.
A gait analysis shows any biomechanical abnormalities a runner may have, such as overpronation or oversupination. Most abnormalities can be corrected with the proper footwear, orthotic inserts or specific strengthening exercises, helping to prevent future injuries and improving a runner's overall performance.
Dr. Lattermann says the idea for a clinic just for runners grew after he and his fellow specialists noticed a high number of running-related injuries coming into Sports Medicine for treatment. The key, he notes, is that the clinic will work to help keep running fanatics on their feet.
"The last thing an injured runner wants to hear is that he or she has to stop running," said Dr. Lattermann. "So we thought perhaps the best way to help them was to create an environment where they could receive preventative therapies as well as treatment for injuries. Our goal is to keep these athletes healthy so they can continue doing what they love."
For more information or to make an appointment at the
UK HealthCare Runner's Clinic, call (859) 218-3113.
MEDIA CONTACT: Allison Perry; (859) 257-1754, ext. 225, or allison.perry@uky.edu.