Track & Field Injuries: What We See Most in Spring Season Athletes
Franklin Lakes Chiropractic and Sports Medicine | Franklin Lakes, NJ | 201-891-6065 | www.franklinlakeschiro.com
Track and field is deceptively demanding. The sport looks simple — run fast, jump far, throw
hard — but the injury profiles for sprinters, jumpers, and throwers are remarkably different from
one another. At Franklin Lakes Chiropractic and Sports Medicine in Franklin Lakes, NJ, we see
a significant influx of track athletes each spring, and the injuries we treat depend heavily on
event specialty.
Sprinters: Hamstring and Hip Flexor Strains
High-speed sprinting generates enormous forces in the hamstring at the moment of foot strike.
Hamstring strains — particularly at the proximal attachment near the sit bone — are the most
feared injury in sprinting. Hip flexor strains from the explosive drive phase are also common.
Both respond well to soft tissue therapy, chiropractic care, and a structured return-to-speed
protocol.
Distance Runners: Overuse Injuries
Track distance runners face the same overuse injury spectrum as cross country athletes: shin
splints, IT band syndrome, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis. The track surface — while
consistent — is also very hard, which increases tibial stress compared to trail running.
Jumpers: Hip, Knee, and Landing Injuries
Long jumpers, high jumpers, and triple jumpers absorb massive impact forces at landing.
Patellar tendinopathy, hip flexor strains, and lumbar compression injuries are common. We
assess the full kinetic chain from the lumbar spine down to ensure athletes can generate and
absorb force efficiently.
Throwers: Shoulder, Elbow, and Back
Shot putters, discus throwers, and javelin athletes develop significant thoracic rotation demands
and shoulder stress. Lumbar rotation under load during the throw also creates back injury risk.
Thoracic spine mobility work is often a game-changer for throwing athletes.
Ready to Feel Better? We Can Help!
If last weekend's yard work has left you stiff and sore, our team at Franklin Lakes Chiropractic and Sports Medicine in Franklin Lakes is here to help. We specialize in sports chiropractic care for active people of all ages.
📞 Call us: 201-891-6065
🌐 Visit: www.franklinlakeschiro.com
