Running Injury Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Running is a common and satisfying activity, but getting fit and aiming for that “runner’s high” comes with the risk of injury. Whether you’re an experienced marathoner, a weekend jogger, or focused on slimming down, running injuries can derail your routine and obstruct your progress. Getting the appropriate treatment for these running injuries in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO is vital for a swift recovery and stopping long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO physical therapists specialize in treating running injuries with personalized care and evidence-backed methods. Our skilled physical therapists are focused on helping you return to the activities you love, guaranteeing a secure and lasting return to running. Contact the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment today to begin your recovery. Alternatively, you can come to any one of our locations for a free injury screening.

You can also explore 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Knowing frequent running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is vital for successful treatment and prevention. Among the prevalent running injuries in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, are:

Shin Splints

Description: Shin splints, also referred to as medial tibial stress syndrome, are defined 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, jogging on unforgiving or irregular terrain, improper footwear, and having low arches or overly firm foot structure.

Symptoms: Tenderness, soreness, or pain along the inner side of the shinbone, mild swelling in the lower leg, and discomfort that subsides with rest but can return when you resume activity.

Treatment: Treatment focuses on easing pain and inflammation and avoiding recurrence. Strategies include rest, ice, compression, elevation (the R.I.C.E. method), and physical therapy with exercises that improve strength, mobility, and flexibility.

Runner’s Knee

Description: Runner’s knee, or patellofemoral pain syndrome, involves pain around the kneecap due to improper alignment or overuse.

Causes: Muscle imbalances or weakness in the thighs, improper running form, overuse, and activities that stress the knee joint, such as excessive running, jumping, or squatting. Other contributing factors include muscle tightness in the hamstrings and calves, as well as imbalances in soft tissue.

Symptoms: Pain around or behind the kneecap, most apparent when bending the knee, climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for extended periods. The pain may worsen with activity and lessen with rest. Discomfort can occur during physical activities or even while resting.

Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, strengthening and stretching exercises, and physical therapy to improve alignment and muscle balance. Your Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to support the kneecap and alleviate pain. This method contributes to easing pain and providing additional support.

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, abruptly ramping up your workout intensity, calf muscle tightness, wearing the wrong shoes, and running on uneven surfaces.

Symptoms: Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon, notably upon waking or after periods of inactivity, swelling, and limited range of motion in the ankle. There may be discomfort that worsens with activity.

Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching and strengthening exercises, and physical therapy. Your Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to enhance tendon strength. This approach helps in facilitating recovery and preventing recurrence.

Plantar Fasciitis

Description: Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot.

Causes: Repetitive stress from overuse in various activities, improper footwear, having high or flat arches, or tight calf muscles, or abruptly ramping up your workout intensity.

Symptoms: Intense, piercing pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity, tenderness, and swelling in the heel. Pain may intensify after prolonged standing or walking.

Treatment: A combination of rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory medications, specific stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Your Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and foot care techniques. This approach helps in reducing pain and facilitating recovery.

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 occasional visible bruising.

Treatment: Applying rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E), and physical therapy with strengthening and stretching exercises. Nutritional counseling to ensure sufficient levels of calcium and vitamin D may also be recommended. A professional therapist will guide you through recovery, emphasizing physical and nutritional health.

Muscle Pull

Description: A muscle pull, sometimes called 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: Immediate, intense pain at the site of the injury, swelling and bruising, muscle weakness and difficulty using the affected muscle, stiffness, and limited range of motion. You may also experience a noticeable decrease in strength and mobility.

Treatment: Applying rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E), and physical therapy with careful stretching and strengthening exercises. Manual therapy techniques to alleviate muscle tightness and promote healing may also be recommended. This approach helps in restoring function and avoiding recurrence.

Ankle Sprain

Description: An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, commonly 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, irregular surfaces that lead to unexpected ankle turns, 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. There can also be instability in the ankle joint.

Treatment: The R.I.C.E method, and Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO physical therapy with strengthening exercises for the muscles around the ankle, balance and proprioception exercises, and manual therapy techniques. This method aids in restoring stability and avoiding recurrence.

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 shoes that are either worn-out or not suitable.

Symptoms: Pain extending from the outer knee to the thigh, a snapping feeling along the outer knee, pain that intensifies with activity and eases with rest, and tenderness and swelling along the IT band.

Treatment: Applying rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E), 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. These methods assist in relieving pain and enhancing recovery.

Blisters

Description: Blisters are fluid-filled bubbles that form on the skin due to friction. They are frequent among runners and athletes who engage in activities that involve repetitive rubbing of the skin. These painful bubbles can form on any part of the body, usually on the feet.

Causes: Friction from shoes or socks that are ill-fitting, moisture from sweat that softens the skin and heightens rubbing, running on uneven or rough surfaces, and wearing new or stiff shoes without proper break-in. Shoes that are either too tight or loose and not keeping feet dry can result in blisters, especially during extended runs or intense workouts. Additional factors include hot weather, wearing improper socks, and extended periods of exercise.

Symptoms: Pain and tenderness at the site of the blister, a fluid-filled bubble or, in severe cases, blood, inflammation around the blister, and difficulty using the affected area due to pain. You may also feel discomfort when putting on footwear.

Treatment: Protection using blister pads or bandages, draining the blister carefully if needed, moisture management, proper footwear and foot care techniques, and for more serious cases, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps prevent further friction and aid in healing.

Running Injury Treatment With St. Louis Physical Therapists

Therapists play a crucial role in the healing and rehabilitation of running injuries in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Our expertise and individualized treatment help Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO runners return to their activities safely and effectively. Here’s how our Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO physical therapists can help you:

• Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis: We perform in-depth assessments to identify the underlying 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 typically involve a combination of therapies and exercises designed to promote healing and prevent recurrence.
• Manual Therapy and Advanced Techniques: We utilize manual methods such as massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue manipulation to alleviate discomfort, 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 offer targeted exercise programs to correct muscle weaknesses, improve flexibility, and enhance overall strength and stability.
• Education on Injury Prevention: Our physical therapists teach clients on proper techniques, footwear choices, and training regimens to prevent future injuries. This includes gait analysis and correction to ensure efficient 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 ensures a safe and efficient recovery.

By leveraging our expertise and personalized approach, the Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO physical therapists at Axes Physical Therapy can effectively manage running injuries, aiding in your return to your favorite activities with confidence and lowered chance of re-injury.

Other services we offer in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO include:

• Herniated Disc Treatment
• Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
• MCL Tear
• ACL Rehabilitation
• Functional Capacity Evaluation
• Vertigo Treatment
• Vestibular Therapy
• Concussion Treatment

Getting Back to Running After Your Injury

Returning to running after an injury demands 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: Follow exercises prescribed by your physical therapist to preserve strength and flexibility. Concentrate on the muscles most affected by your injury to reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Always include a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterward. This readies your muscles for activity and supports 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: Make sure you are running with proper form to reduce stress on your joints and muscles. Your physical therapist can give tips on optimal running mechanics.
• Use Appropriate Footwear: Invest in good-quality running shoes that provide ample 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. Don’t push yourself too fast too soon.

By adhering to these guidelines and collaborating with your physical therapist in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, you can securely return to running and enjoy the physical and mental benefits it brings.

Contact Axes Physical Therapy for Your Running Injury Treatment in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO

Running injuries can be a serious setback, but with the proper strategy to rehabilitation, you can get back to the activities you love. Treating injuries early, participating in a comprehensive physical therapy program, and adhering to 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO recover from running injuries and achieve your fitness goals.

If a running injury is keeping you from your favorite activities in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, don’t wait. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and begin your path to a full recovery. Our experienced Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO physical therapists are ready to assist you get back to the activities you love with confidence and strength.