Running Injury Breckenridge Hills, MO. Running is a popular and satisfying activity, but improving fitness and aiming for that “runner’s high” comes with the danger of injury. Whether you’re an seasoned marathoner, a recreational jogger, or focused on slimming down, running injuries can interrupt your routine and slow down your progress. Getting the proper treatment for these running injuries in Breckenridge Hills, MO is essential for a prompt recovery and averting long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Breckenridge Hills, MO physical therapists focus in treating running injuries with customized treatments and proven approaches. Our experienced physical therapists are committed to helping you resume the activities you love, ensuring a secure and sustainable return to running. Reach out to 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 Breckenridge Hills, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Knowing typical running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for proper handling and prevention. Some of the most common running injuries in Breckenridge Hills, MO are:

Shin Splints

Description: Shin splints, scientifically termed medial tibial stress syndrome, are characterized by pain along the shinbone (tibia) due to swelling 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 sudden boosts in workout intensity, running on hard or uneven surfaces, improper footwear, and having flat feet or excessively rigid arches.

Symptoms: Sensitivity, discomfort, or pain along the inner side of the shinbone, slight swelling in the lower leg, and discomfort that eases with rest but can come back when you resume activity.

Treatment: Treatment aims at easing pain and inflammation and preventing 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, is characterized by 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 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 improve with rest. You might experience discomfort during physical activities or even while resting.

Treatment: A comprehensive approach involving rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle strengthening, and flexibility exercises, and professional physical therapy to enhance alignment and muscle balance. Your Breckenridge Hills, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to stabilize the kneecap and reduce pain. This method helps 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: Repetitive stress from overuse during various activities, sudden increases in training intensity, tight calf muscles, improper footwear, and jogging on irregular terrain.

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. You may notice discomfort that worsens with activity.

Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching and strengthening exercises, and physical therapy. Your Breckenridge Hills, 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 involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that spans 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 sudden increases in training 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. Discomfort can increase after prolonged standing or walking.

Treatment: A combination of rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory medications, specific stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Your Breckenridge Hills, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and foot care techniques. This approach helps in alleviating discomfort and promoting healing.

Stress Fractures

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

Causes: Abrupt boosts in workout levels, running on hard or uneven surfaces, improper footwear, insufficient recovery time, and dietary shortages such as low calcium or vitamin D levels.

Symptoms: Slowly developing pain that worsens with weight-bearing activity, swelling and tenderness at the fracture location, pain that eases with rest but recurs during physical 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 adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D may also be recommended. Your physical therapist will guide you through recovery, emphasizing physical and nutritional health.

Muscle Pull

Description: A muscle pull, sometimes called 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. There may also be a noticeable decrease in strength and mobility.

Treatment: Applying rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E), and physical therapy with gentle stretching and strengthening exercises. Manual therapy techniques to reduce muscle tension and promote healing may also be recommended. This method assists in facilitating recovery and preventing future injuries.

Ankle Sprain

Description: An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, typically 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 compromise ligament strength.

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: Applying rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E), and Breckenridge Hills, MO physical therapy with strengthening exercises for the muscles around the ankle, balance and proprioception exercises, and manual therapy techniques. This approach helps in restoring stability and avoiding recurrence.

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, jogging on irregular or inclined terrain, weak hip and gluteal muscles, improper running form, and worn-out or inappropriate footwear.

Symptoms: Pain radiating from the outer knee to the thigh, a snapping sensation along the outer knee, pain that worsens with activity and improves 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 flexibility-enhancing stretches, strengthening exercises for the hip and gluteal muscles, gait analysis and correction, foam rolling, and massage techniques. These methods assist in alleviating discomfort and promoting healing.

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. These uncomfortable bubbles can form on any part of the body, usually 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, running on uneven or rough surfaces, and wearing new or stiff shoes without proper break-in. Poorly fitted footwear and not keeping feet dry can result in blisters, especially during prolonged runs or intense workouts. Additional factors include high temperatures, wearing improper socks, and extended periods of exercise.

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 trouble with the affected area due to pain. You may also experience irritation when putting on footwear.

Treatment: Protection using blister pads or bandages, careful drainage if necessary, moisture management, wearing appropriate shoes and foot care techniques, and in severe cases, Breckenridge Hills, 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

Physical therapists are vital in the recovery and restoration of running injuries in Breckenridge Hills, MO. Our knowledge and personalized care help Breckenridge Hills, MO runners resume their activities safely and efficiently. Here’s how our Breckenridge Hills, MO physical therapists can help you:

• Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis: We perform in-depth assessments to identify the underlying cause of the injury, providing 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: Our physical therapists use hands-on techniques 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: Targeted exercises are vital components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists provide targeted exercise programs to address muscle imbalances, enhance range of motion, and enhance overall strength and stability.
• Education on Injury Prevention: Our physical therapists educate patients on proper techniques, footwear choices, and training regimens to reduce the risk of injuries. This includes gait analysis and correction to ensure ideal 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 efficient recovery.

By utilizing our knowledge and personalized approach, the Breckenridge Hills, MO physical therapists at Axes Physical Therapy can successfully handle running injuries, helping you get back to the activities you love with confidence and lowered chance of re-injury.

Other services we offer in Breckenridge Hills, MO include:

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

Getting Back to Running After Your Injury

Returning to running after an injury necessitates a careful and gradual approach to ensure long-term success and avoid further injury. Here are key steps to follow:

• Gradual Return: Start with low-impact activities 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: Adhere to exercises prescribed by your physical therapist to sustain strength and flexibility. Pay attention to the muscles most affected by your injury to stop re-injury.
• Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Don’t forget to add a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterward. This readies your muscles for activity and promotes recovery.
• Monitor Your Body: Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain. If you encounter 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 offer advice 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. Refrain from overexerting too quickly.

By adhering to these guidelines and working closely with your physical therapist in Breckenridge Hills, 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 Breckenridge Hills, MO

Running injuries can be a major setback, but with the proper strategy to treatment and recovery, you can return to the activities you love. Addressing injuries promptly, 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 Breckenridge Hills, MO recover from running injuries and achieve your fitness goals.

If a running injury is holding you back from your favorite activities in Breckenridge Hills, MO, delay no more. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and initiate a full recovery. Our experienced Breckenridge Hills, MO physical therapists are prepared to support you return to your favorite activities with confidence and strength.