Running Injury Benton Park West, MO. Running is a popular and gratifying activity, but achieving fitness and seeking that “runner’s high” includes the possibility of injury. Whether you’re an experienced marathoner, a weekend jogger, or focused on slimming down, running injuries can interrupt your routine and obstruct your progress. Getting the effective treatment for these running injuries in Benton Park West, MO is vital for a swift recovery and averting long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Benton Park West, MO physical therapists are experts in treating running injuries with customized treatments and proven approaches. Our skilled physical therapists are focused on helping you resume the activities you love, ensuring a safe and lasting return to running. Contact the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment today to start your journey. You may also visit 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 Benton Park West, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Knowing common running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for proper handling and prevention. Some of the most common running injuries in Benton Park West, MO are:

Shin Splints

Description: Shin splints, scientifically termed medial tibial stress syndrome, are noted for 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 rapid escalation in training levels, jogging on unforgiving or irregular terrain, improper footwear, and having low arches or overly firm foot structure.

Symptoms: Sensitivity, soreness, or pain along the inner side of the tibia, mild swelling in the lower leg, and discomfort that improves with rest but can recur with physical activity.

Treatment: Treatment is centered on reducing pain and inflammation and stopping 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: Weak or imbalanced thigh muscles, improper running form, overuse, and activities that put strain on 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, especially evident 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 correct alignment and muscle balance. Your Benton Park West, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to stabilize the kneecap and ease pain. This method helps managing 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, tight calf muscles, 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 Benton Park West, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to strengthen the tendon. This method assists in promoting healing 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: Overuse from activities that involve repetitive stress on the feet, wearing the wrong shoes, 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 Benton Park West, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and methods to care for your feet. This method aids in alleviating discomfort and facilitating recovery.

Stress Fractures

Description: Stress fractures are small cracks in a bone resulting from repetitive force, often from overuse.

Causes: Sudden increases in training intensity, running on hard or uneven surfaces, improper footwear, insufficient recovery time, and dietary shortages 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. A professional therapist will guide you through recovery, emphasizing both physical health.

Muscle Pull

Description: A muscle pull, also known as a muscle strain, happens when muscle fibers are extended too far or torn.

Causes: Quick changes in speed during activities like sprinting, repeated stress or overuse, 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: The R.I.C.E method, 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 preventing future injuries.

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, 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. You might also experience instability in the ankle joint.

Treatment: The R.I.C.E method, and Benton Park West, MO physical therapy with strengthening exercises for the muscles around the ankle, balance and proprioception exercises, and manual therapy techniques. This method aids in enhancing stability and preventing future sprains.

IT (Iliotibial) Band Syndrome

Description: IT band syndrome is characterized by 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 radiating from the outer knee to the thigh, a clicking sensation on the outside of the knee, pain that intensifies with activity and lessens 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 help in alleviating discomfort 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 entail repetitive rubbing of the skin. These painful bubbles can appear on any part of the body, commonly on the feet.

Causes: Friction from shoes or socks that are too tight or loose, moisture from sweat that softens the skin and heightens rubbing, jogging on irregular or harsh terrain, and wearing new or stiff shoes without proper break-in. Shoes that are either too tight or loose and lack of moisture management can cause blisters, especially during extended runs or intense training sessions. Additional factors include high temperatures, inadequate socks, and prolonged activity.

Symptoms: Pain and tenderness at the site of the blister, a raised bubble filled with clear fluid 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, careful drainage if necessary, keeping the affected area clean and dry, proper footwear and foot care techniques, and for more serious cases, Benton Park West, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps prevent further friction and promote healing.

How Benton Park West, MO Physical Therapists Can Help in Your Running Injury Treatment

Therapists play a crucial role in the healing and restoration of running injuries in Benton Park West, MO. Our knowledge and personalized care help Benton Park West, MO runners return to their activities securely and efficiently. Here’s how our Benton Park West, 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, we develop 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: We utilize manual methods 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 crucial components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists offer targeted exercise programs to correct muscle weaknesses, enhance range of motion, and boost overall strength and stability.
• Education on Injury Prevention: Our physical therapists inform individuals on proper techniques, footwear choices, and training regimens to reduce the risk of injuries. This includes gait analysis and correction to ensure optimal running mechanics.
• Continuous Monitoring and Progress Tracking: Throughout the rehabilitation process, our physical therapists carefully track your progress, making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This ongoing support helps ensure a safe and effective recovery.

By utilizing our expertise and personalized approach, the Benton Park West, MO physical therapists at Axes Physical Therapy can effectively manage running injuries, helping you get back to the activities you love with confidence and reduced risk of recurrence.

Other services we offer in Benton Park West, MO include:

• Hand Pain Physical Therapy
• Foot & Ankle Pain Treatment
• Hip Pain Treatment
• Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Hip Replacement Physical Therapy
• Workers Comp' Physical Therapy
• Migraine Relief
• Sprain and Strain Treatment
• Geriatric Physical Therapy

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 avoid further injury. Here are key steps to follow:

• Gradual Return: Begin with gentle exercises like walking or swimming before moving on 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 keep up strength and flexibility. Target the muscles most affected by your injury to prevent recurrence.
• Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Don’t forget to add a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterward. This conditions your muscles for activity and promotes recovery.
• Monitor Your Body: Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain. If you feel any symptoms of your previous injury, stop running and consult your physical therapist.
• Maintain Good Running Form: Confirm 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 durable running shoes that provide sufficient 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 Benton Park West, MO, 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 Benton Park West, MO

Running injuries can be a significant setback, but with the proper strategy to treatment and recovery, you can return to the activities you love. Treating injuries early, participating 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 Benton Park West, MO recover from running injuries and reach your fitness objectives.

If a running injury is preventing you from enjoying your favorite activities in Benton Park West, MO, delay no more. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and initiate a full recovery. Our experienced Benton Park West, MO physical therapists are here to help you get back to the activities you love with confidence and strength.