Running Injury Bridgeton, MO. Running is a popular and satisfying activity, but achieving fitness and seeking that “runner’s high” carries the possibility of injury. Whether you’re an seasoned marathoner, a weekend jogger, or trying to lose weight, running injuries can hinder your routine and slow down your progress. Getting the appropriate treatment for these running injuries in Bridgeton, MO is vital for a prompt recovery and avoiding long-term issues.
At Axes Physical Therapy, our Bridgeton, MO physical therapists specialize in treating running injuries with personalized care and proven approaches. Our skilled physical therapists are focused on helping you get back to the activities you love, ensuring a safe 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 visit 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 tips on gaining the benefits of running safely.
Common Running Injuries and How Bridgeton, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them
Knowing common running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is vital for successful treatment and prevention. Some of the most common running injuries in Bridgeton, MO are:
Shin Splints
Description: Shin splints, scientifically termed 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 possessing flat feet or overly stiff arches.
Symptoms: Tenderness, discomfort, or pain along the inner side of the tibia, minor swelling in the lower leg, and discomfort that improves with rest but can return with physical activity.
Treatment: Treatment is centered on easing pain and inflammation and stopping 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 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, most apparent when bending the knee, climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for extended periods. The pain may increase with activity and improve 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 Bridgeton, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to stabilize the kneecap and ease pain. This method aids in 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, sudden increases in training intensity, calf muscle tightness, wearing the wrong shoes, and jogging on irregular terrain.
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 intensifies during physical activity.
Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching and strengthening exercises, and physical therapy. Your Bridgeton, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to enhance tendon strength. This approach helps in facilitating recovery and avoiding future issues.
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, improper footwear, high arches, flat feet, 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 Bridgeton, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and methods to care for your feet. This approach helps in reducing pain 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 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 adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D may also be recommended. A professional therapist will guide you through recovery, focusing on physical and nutritional health.
Muscle Pull
Description: A muscle pull, also known as a muscle strain, happens when muscle fibers are overstretched 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: 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. 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 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 avoiding recurrence.
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. There can also be instability in the ankle joint.
Treatment: The R.I.C.E method, and Bridgeton, 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 preventing future sprains.
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: Repetitive stress from overuse 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 on the outside of the knee that may extend up the thigh, a snapping sensation along the outer knee, pain that increases 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 form on any part of the body, most often on the feet.
Causes: Friction from shoes or socks that do not fit properly, 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 not keeping feet dry can lead to blisters, especially during long 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 raised bubble filled with clear fluid or, if serious, blood, redness and swelling around the blister, and trouble with the affected area due to pain. You may also experience discomfort when wearing shoes.
Treatment: Protection using blister pads or bandages, careful drainage if necessary, moisture management, wearing appropriate shoes and foot care techniques, and for more serious cases, Bridgeton, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps avoid further rubbing and aid in healing.
How Bridgeton, MO Physical Therapists Can Help in Your Running Injury Treatment
Therapists are vital in the recovery and restoration of injuries from running in Bridgeton, MO. Our knowledge and individualized treatment help Bridgeton, MO runners resume their activities securely and efficiently. Here’s how our Bridgeton, MO 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: 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: Targeted exercises are crucial 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 teach clients 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 closely monitor your progress, making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This ongoing support helps ensure a safe and effective recovery.
By leveraging our knowledge and personalized approach, the Bridgeton, 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 Bridgeton, MO include:
- Herniated Disc Treatment
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
- MCL Tear
- ACL Rehabilitation
- Functional Capacity Evaluation
- Vertigo Treatment
- Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy
- Vestibular Therapy
- Concussion Treatment
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: Begin with gentle exercises 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 preserve strength and flexibility. Concentrate on the muscles most affected by your injury to prevent recurrence.
- Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Never skip a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterward. This prepares your muscles for activity and promotes recovery.
- Monitor Your Body: Observe any signs of discomfort or pain. If you notice 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 assist on optimal running mechanics.
- Use Appropriate Footwear: Invest in reliable 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. Refrain from overexerting too quickly.
By adhering to these guidelines and working closely with your physical therapist in Bridgeton, 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 Bridgeton, MO
Running injuries can be a serious setback, but with the proper strategy to rehabilitation, 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 Bridgeton, MO overcome their running injuries and achieve your fitness goals.
If a running injury is holding you back from your favorite activities in Bridgeton, MO, don’t wait. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and initiate a full recovery. Our experienced Bridgeton, MO physical therapists are here to help you get back to the activities you love with confidence and strength.