Running Injury Treatment Downtown West St. Louis, MO

Running Injury Downtown West St. Louis, MO. Running is a common and fulfilling activity, but improving fitness and pursuing that “runner’s high” comes with the chance of injury. Whether you’re an veteran marathoner, a casual jogger, or aiming to shed pounds, running injuries can hinder your routine and impede your progress. Getting the effective treatment for these running injuries in Downtown West St. Louis, MO is crucial for a swift recovery and avoiding long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Downtown West St. Louis, MO physical therapists focus in treating running injuries with individualized attention and proven approaches. Our knowledgeable physical therapists are committed to helping you resume the activities you love, ensuring a risk-free and sustainable return to running. Reach out to the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment today to begin your recovery. 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 Downtown West St. Louis, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Understanding frequent running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and prevention. Some of the most common running injuries in Downtown West St. Louis, 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 hard and soft 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: Sensitivity, aching, or pain along the inner side of the shinbone, minor swelling in the lower leg, and discomfort that improves with rest but can recur when you resume activity.

Treatment: Treatment aims at reducing 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: Muscle imbalances or weakness in the thighs, improper running form, overuse, and activities that exert pressure 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, particularly noticeable when bending the knee, climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for extended periods. The pain may increase 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 correct alignment and muscle balance. Your Downtown West St. Louis, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to stabilize the kneecap and ease pain. This method contributes to 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 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 intensifies during physical activity.

Treatment: A regimen of rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory drugs, targeted stretching and strengthening routines, and professional physical therapy. Your Downtown West St. Louis, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to enhance tendon strength. This method assists in facilitating recovery 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: Repetitive stress from overuse in various activities, wearing the wrong shoes, high arches, flat feet, tight calf muscles, or abruptly ramping up your workout intensity.

Symptoms: Intense, piercing pain in the heel, particularly noticeable with the first steps after waking or after periods of inactivity, soreness, and swelling in the heel. Discomfort can increase after prolonged standing or walking.

Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Your Downtown West St. Louis, 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 caused by 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: 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 visible bruising in some cases.

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, focusing on physical and nutritional health.

Muscle Pull

Description: A muscle pull, commonly referred to as a muscle strain, occurs 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. 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 method assists 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. You might also experience instability in the ankle joint.

Treatment: The R.I.C.E method, and Downtown West St. Louis, 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 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 shoes that are either worn-out or not suitable.

Symptoms: Pain extending from the outer knee to the thigh, a clicking feeling on the outside of the knee, pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest, and tenderness and swelling along the IT band.

Treatment: The R.I.C.E method, 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 help in alleviating discomfort and enhancing recovery.

Blisters

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

Causes: Friction from shoes or socks that do not fit properly, moisture from sweat that softens the skin and increases friction, 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 result in blisters, especially during long runs or intense training sessions. Additional factors include high temperatures, inadequate 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, 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, Downtown West St. Louis, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps prevent further friction and promote healing.

Running Injury Treatment With St. Louis Physical Therapists

Physical therapists play a crucial role in the healing and restoration of injuries from running in Downtown West St. Louis, MO. Our knowledge and individualized treatment help Downtown West St. Louis, MO runners return to their activities securely and effectively. Here’s how our Downtown West St. Louis, MO physical therapists can help you:

Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis: Our physical therapists conduct comprehensive evaluations to identify the root cause of the injury, providing 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 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 essential components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists provide 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 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 ensures a safe and efficient recovery.

By harnessing our knowledge and personalized approach, the Downtown West St. Louis, MO physical therapists at Axes Physical Therapy can successfully handle running injuries, helping you get back to the activities you love with confidence and reduced risk of recurrence.

Other services we offer in Downtown West St. Louis, MO include:

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 prevent re-injury. Here are key steps to follow:

Gradual Return: Start with low-impact activities like walking or swimming before moving on to light jogging. Slowly 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 maintain strength and flexibility. Target the muscles most affected by your injury to avoid re-injury.
Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Make sure to incorporate a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterward. This readies your muscles for activity and promotes recovery.
Monitor Your Body: Listen to 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 give tips on optimal running mechanics.
Use Appropriate Footwear: Invest in reliable 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 following these steps and collaborating with your physical therapist in Downtown West St. Louis, 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 Downtown West St. Louis, MO

Injuries from running can be a major setback, but with the right approach 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 crucial steps in ensuring a safe and effective recovery. Axes Physical Therapy is committed to providing personalized, evidence-backed care to help individuals in Downtown West St. Louis, MO overcome their running injuries and reach your fitness objectives.

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

Downtown West St. Louis, MO