Running Injury Greater St. Louis. Running is a popular and rewarding activity, but getting in shape and chasing that “runner’s high” comes with the risk of injury. Whether you’re an experienced marathoner, a casual jogger, or trying to lose weight, running injuries can disrupt your routine and hinder your progress. Getting the right treatment for these running injuries in St. Louis is crucial for a swift recovery and preventing long-term issues.
At Axes Physical Therapy, our St. Louis physical therapists specialize in treating running injuries with personalized care and evidence-backed methods. Our experienced physical therapists are dedicated to helping you get back to the activities you love, ensuring a safe and sustainable return to running. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment today to get started. Or, you can come to any one of our locations for a free injury screening.
You can also check out our Beginner Running Program Tips and Beginner’s Guide to Running for how to get the benefits of running safely.
Common Running Injuries and How St. Louis Physical Therapists Treat Them
Understanding common running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and prevention. Some of the most common running injuries in St. Louis are:
Shin Splints
Description: Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are characterized by pain along the shinbone (tibia) due to inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around it.
Causes: Shin splints are primarily caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach muscles to the bone. Factors contributing to this stress include abrupt increases in training intensity, running on hard or uneven surfaces, improper footwear, and having flat feet or excessively rigid arches.
Symptoms: Tenderness, soreness, or pain along the inner side of the shinbone, mild swelling in the lower leg, and discomfort that improves with rest but can recur with physical activity.
Treatment Treatment focuses on alleviating pain and inflammation and preventing recurrence. Strategies include rest, ice, compression, elevation (the R.I.C.E. method), and physical therapy with strengthening and stretching exercises.
Runner’s Knee
Description: Runner’s knee, or patellofemoral pain syndrome, involves pain around the kneecap due to improper alignment or overuse.
Causes: Weak or imbalanced thigh muscles, improper running form, overuse, and activities that stress the knee joint, such as excessive running, jumping, or squatting. Other contributing factors include tight hamstrings, calf muscles, and soft tissue imbalances.
Symptoms: Pain around or behind the kneecap, particularly noticeable when bending the knee, climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for extended periods. The pain may worsen with activity and improve with rest.
Treatment Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, strengthening and stretching exercises, and physical therapy to improve alignment and muscle balance. Your St. Louis physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to support the kneecap and alleviate pain.
Achilles Tendonitis
Description: Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the large tendon at the back of the ankle.
Causes: Overuse from activities that involve repetitive stress on the tendon, sudden increases in training intensity, tight calf muscles, improper footwear, and running on uneven surfaces.
Symptoms: Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity, swelling, and limited range of motion in the ankle.
Treatment Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching and strengthening exercises, and physical therapy. Your St. Louis physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to strengthen the tendon.
Plantar Fasciitis
Description: Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot.
Causes: Overuse from activities that involve repetitive stress on the feet, improper footwear, high arches, flat feet, tight calf muscles, or sudden increases in training intensity.
Symptoms: Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity, tenderness, and swelling in the heel.
Treatment Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Your St. Louis physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and foot care techniques.
Stress Fractures
Description: Stress fractures are small cracks in a bone caused by repetitive force, often from overuse.
Causes: Sudden increases in training intensity, running on hard or uneven surfaces, improper footwear, inadequate rest periods, and nutritional deficiencies such as low calcium or vitamin D levels.
Symptoms: Gradual pain that worsens with weight-bearing activity, swelling and tenderness at the fracture site, pain that improves with rest but returns with activity, and visible bruising in some cases.
Treatment The R.I.C.E method, and physical therapy with strengthening and stretching exercises. Nutritional counseling to ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D may also be recommended.
Muscle Pull
Description: A muscle pull, also known as a muscle strain, occurs when muscle fibers are overstretched or torn.
Causes: Sudden acceleration or deceleration during activities like sprinting, overuse or repetitive stress on the muscle, inadequate warm-up or stretching before activity, and fatigue or muscle weakness.
Symptoms: Sudden, sharp pain at the site of the injury, swelling and bruising, muscle weakness and difficulty using the affected muscle, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
Treatment The R.I.C.E method, and physical therapy with gentle stretching and strengthening exercises. Manual therapy techniques to reduce muscle tension and promote healing may also be recommended.
Ankle Sprain
Description: An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, often due to a sudden twist or roll of the ankle.
Causes: Sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle during activities such as running or jumping, uneven surfaces that cause the ankle to turn unexpectedly, improper footwear, and previous ankle injuries that weaken the ligaments.
Symptoms: Pain and tenderness around the ankle, swelling and bruising, difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot, and limited range of motion in the ankle.
Treatment The R.I.C.E method, and St. Louis physical therapy with strengthening exercises for the muscles around the ankle, balance and proprioception exercises, and manual therapy techniques.
IT (Iliotibial) Band Syndrome
Description: IT band syndrome involves inflammation of the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh from the hip to the knee.
Causes: Overuse from repetitive activities such as running or cycling, running on uneven or sloped surfaces, weak hip and gluteal muscles, improper running form, and worn-out or inappropriate footwear.
Symptoms: Pain on the outside of the knee that may extend up the thigh, a clicking or snapping sensation on the outside of the knee, pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest, and tenderness and swelling along the IT band.
Treatment The R.I.C.E method, and physical therapy with stretching exercises to improve flexibility, strengthening exercises for the hip and gluteal muscles, gait analysis and correction, foam rolling, and massage techniques.
Blisters
Description: Blisters are fluid-filled bubbles that form on the skin due to friction. They are common among runners and athletes who engage in activities that involve repetitive rubbing of the skin.
Causes: Friction from shoes or socks that do not fit properly, moisture from sweat that softens the skin and increases friction, running on uneven or rough surfaces, and wearing new or stiff shoes without proper break-in.
Symptoms: Pain and tenderness at the site of the blister, a raised bubble filled with clear fluid or, in severe cases, blood, redness, and swelling around the blister, and difficulty using the affected area due to pain.
Treatment Protection using blister pads or bandages, careful drainage if necessary, moisture management to keep the affected area clean and dry, proper footwear and foot care techniques, and in severe cases, St. Louis physical therapy with gait analysis and correction.
How St. Louis Physical Therapists Can Help in Your Running Injury Treatment
Physical therapists play a crucial role in the recovery and rehabilitation of running injuries in St. Louis. Our expertise and personalized care help St. Louis runners return to their activities safely and effectively. Here’s how our St. Louis physical therapists can help you:
- Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis: Our physical therapists conduct comprehensive evaluations to identify the root cause of the injury, ensuring an accurate diagnosis.
- Development of Personalized Treatment Plans: Based on the assessment, our physical therapists create customized treatment plans tailored to your needs and goals. These plans often include a combination of therapies and exercises designed to promote healing and prevent recurrence.
- Manual Therapy and Advanced Techniques: Our physical therapists use hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue manipulation to reduce pain, improve mobility, and accelerate recovery. We may also employ advanced modalities like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and dry needling to enhance treatment outcomes.
- Exercise Prescription and Guidance: Strengthening and stretching exercises are vital components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists provide targeted exercise programs to address muscle imbalances, improve flexibility, and enhance overall strength and stability.
- Education on Injury Prevention: Our physical therapists educate patients on proper techniques, footwear choices, and training regimens to prevent future injuries. This includes gait analysis and correction to ensure optimal running mechanics.
- Continuous Monitoring and Progress Tracking: Throughout the rehabilitation process, our physical therapists closely monitor your progress, making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This ongoing support helps ensure a safe and efficient recovery.
By leveraging our expertise and personalized approach, the St. Louis physical therapists at Axes Physical Therapy can effectively manage running injuries, helping your get back to the activities they love with confidence and reduced risk of recurrence.
Getting Back to Running After Your Injury
Returning to running after an injury requires a careful and gradual approach to ensure long-term success and prevent re-injury. Here are key steps to follow:
- Gradual Return: Start with low-impact activities like walking or swimming before progressing to light jogging. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your runs as your body adapts.
- Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises: Continue with exercises prescribed by your physical therapist to maintain strength and flexibility. Focus on the muscles most affected by your injury to prevent recurrence.
- Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Always include a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterwards. This helps prepare your muscles for activity and aids in recovery.
- Monitor Your Body: Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain. If you experience any symptoms of your previous injury, stop running and consult your physical therapist.
- Maintain Good Running Form: Ensure you are running with proper form to reduce stress on your joints and muscles. Your physical therapist can provide guidance on optimal running mechanics.
- Use Appropriate Footwear: Invest in good-quality running shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning. Replace them regularly to avoid wear and tear that could lead to injury.
- Set Realistic Goals: Be patient and set achievable milestones for your return to running. Avoid pushing yourself too hard too soon.
By following these steps and working closely with your physical therapist in St. Louis, you can safely return to running and enjoy the physical and mental benefits it brings.
Contact Axes Physical Therapy for Your Running Injury Treatment in St. Louis
Running injuries can be a significant setback, but with the right approach to treatment and recovery, you can get back to the activities you love. Addressing injuries promptly, engaging in a comprehensive physical therapy program, and following a gradual return-to-running plan are essential steps in ensuring a safe and effective recovery. Axes Physical Therapy is committed to providing personalized, evidence-backed care to help individuals in St. Louis overcome their running injuries and achieve your fitness goals.
If a running injury is keeping you from your favorite activities in St. Louis, don’t wait. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and start your journey toward a full recovery. Our experienced St. Louis physical therapists are here to help you get back to the activities you love with confidence and strength.