Running Injury Columbus Square, MO. Running is a common and fulfilling activity, but improving fitness and chasing that “runner’s high” comes with the risk of injury. Whether you’re an seasoned marathoner, a weekend jogger, or aiming to shed pounds, running injuries can disrupt your routine and impede your progress. Getting the effective treatment for these running injuries in Columbus Square, MO is crucial for a prompt recovery and stopping long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Columbus Square, MO physical therapists focus in treating running injuries with personalized care and scientifically supported techniques. Our skilled physical therapists are committed to helping you return to the activities you love, guaranteeing a risk-free and lasting return to running. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment today to get started. Or, you can stop by 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 Columbus Square, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Knowing common running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for proper handling and prevention. Among the prevalent running injuries in Columbus Square, MO, are:

Shin Splints

Description: Shin splints, scientifically termed 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 rapid escalation in training levels, jogging on unforgiving or irregular terrain, improper footwear, and having flat feet or excessively rigid arches.

Symptoms: Tenderness, aching, or pain along the inner side of the shinbone, slight swelling in the lower leg, and discomfort that improves with rest but can recur when you resume 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 exert pressure on 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 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 Columbus Square, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to support the kneecap and alleviate pain. This method aids in 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, abruptly ramping up your workout intensity, tight calf muscles, 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: A regimen of rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory drugs, targeted stretching and strengthening routines, and professional physical therapy. Your Columbus Square, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to strengthen the tendon. This approach helps in promoting healing and avoiding future issues.

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, 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, soreness, 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 Columbus Square, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and methods to care for your feet. This method aids in alleviating discomfort and promoting healing.

Stress Fractures

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

Causes: Abrupt boosts in workout levels, jogging on unforgiving or irregular terrain, 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 location, pain that eases with rest but recurs during physical 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 sufficient levels of calcium and vitamin D may also be recommended. A professional therapist will guide you through recovery, focusing on both physical health.

Muscle Pull

Description: A muscle pull, sometimes called a muscle strain, happens when muscle fibers are overstretched or torn.

Causes: Sudden acceleration or deceleration 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. 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 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: Abrupt twisting or turning 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: Applying rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E), and Columbus Square, 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 clicking sensation along the outer knee, pain that worsens 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 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 frequent among runners and athletes who engage in activities that require repetitive rubbing of the skin. These painful bubbles can develop on any part of the body, commonly 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 lack of moisture management can lead to 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 fluid-filled bubble or, if serious, blood, redness and swelling around the blister, and difficulty using the affected area due to pain. You may also feel irritation when putting on footwear.

Treatment: Protection using blister pads or bandages, draining the blister carefully if needed, keeping the affected area clean and dry, proper footwear and foot care techniques, and in severe cases, Columbus Square, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps prevent further friction and promote healing.

How Columbus Square, MO Physical Therapists Can Help in Your Running Injury Treatment

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

• Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis: We perform in-depth assessments 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 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 crucial components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists provide targeted exercise programs to correct muscle weaknesses, enhance range of motion, and enhance 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 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 utilizing our expertise and personalized approach, the Columbus Square, MO physical therapists at Axes Physical Therapy can successfully handle running injuries, aiding in your return to your favorite activities with confidence and reduced risk of recurrence.

Other services we offer in Columbus Square, MO include:

• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Hip Replacement Physical Therapy
• Workers Comp' Physical Therapy
• Migraine Relief
• Sprain and Strain Treatment
• Geriatric Physical Therapy
• Injury Rehabilitation
• Pain Management Services
• TMJ Treatment
• Herniated Disc 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 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. Concentrate on 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 prepares your muscles for activity and supports 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 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 adhering to these guidelines and collaborating with your physical therapist in Columbus Square, 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 Columbus Square, MO

Running injuries can be a serious setback, but with the right approach to rehabilitation, you can return to the activities you love. Treating injuries early, 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 Columbus Square, MO overcome their running injuries and reach your fitness objectives.

If a running injury is keeping you from your favorite activities in Columbus Square, MO, act now. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and start your journey toward a full recovery. Our experienced Columbus Square, MO physical therapists are prepared to support you get back to the activities you love with confidence and strength.