Running Injury Ferguson, MO. Running is a well-loved and gratifying activity, but achieving fitness and chasing that “runner’s high” comes with the possibility of injury. Whether you’re an veteran marathoner, a occasional jogger, or aiming to shed pounds, running injuries can hinder your routine and obstruct your progress. Getting the appropriate treatment for these running injuries in Ferguson, MO is vital for a speedy recovery and averting long-term issues.
At Axes Physical Therapy, our Ferguson, MO physical therapists are experts in treating running injuries with customized treatments and proven approaches. Our skilled physical therapists are committed to helping you resume the activities you love, guaranteeing a safe and lasting return to running. Contact the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment today to get started. Alternatively, 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 Ferguson, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them
Understanding typical running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and prevention. Among the prevalent running injuries in Ferguson, MO, are:
Shin Splints
Description: Shin splints, also referred to as medial tibial stress syndrome, are defined by pain along the shinbone (tibia) due to swelling 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 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, minor swelling in the lower leg, and discomfort that subsides with rest but can come back with physical activity.
Treatment: Treatment focuses on alleviating 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, 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, especially evident when bending the knee, climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for extended periods. The pain may intensify with activity and ease with rest. Discomfort can occur 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 improve alignment and muscle balance. Your Ferguson, 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, sudden increases in training intensity, calf muscle tightness, 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 intensifies during physical activity.
Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching and strengthening exercises, and physical therapy. Your Ferguson, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to strengthen the tendon. This method assists in promoting healing and avoiding future issues.
Plantar Fasciitis
Description: Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that spans the bottom of the foot.
Causes: Repetitive stress from overuse in various activities, 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. Pain may intensify after prolonged standing or walking.
Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Your Ferguson, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and foot care techniques. This approach helps in reducing pain and facilitating recovery.
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, inadequate rest periods, and nutritional deficiencies 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 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, sometimes called a muscle strain, occurs when muscle fibers are strained 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: The R.I.C.E method, and physical therapy with gradual stretching and strengthening exercises. Manual therapy techniques to alleviate muscle tightness and promote healing may also be recommended. This approach helps 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: Abrupt twisting or turning of the ankle during activities such as running or jumping, uneven surfaces that cause the ankle to turn unexpectedly, 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. There can also be instability in the ankle joint.
Treatment: The R.I.C.E method, and Ferguson, 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 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: Repetitive stress from overuse such as running or cycling, running on uneven or sloped surfaces, weak hip and gluteal muscles, improper running form, and worn-out or inappropriate footwear.
Symptoms: Pain extending from the outer knee to the thigh, a snapping feeling on the outside of the knee, pain that increases 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 frequent among runners and athletes who engage in activities that require repetitive rubbing of the skin. These annoying bubbles can form 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 increases friction, 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 extended runs or intense physical activities. Additional factors include hot weather, inadequate socks, and extended periods of exercise.
Symptoms: Pain and tenderness at the site of the blister, a fluid-filled bubble or, in severe cases, 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: Covering the blister with pads or bandages, draining the blister carefully if needed, keeping the affected area clean and dry, wearing appropriate shoes and foot care techniques, and in severe cases, Ferguson, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps prevent further rubbing and promote healing.
Running Injury Treatment With St. Louis Physical Therapists
Therapists play a crucial role in the healing and rehabilitation of injuries from running in Ferguson, MO. Our expertise and personalized care help Ferguson, MO runners resume their activities safely and efficiently. Here’s how our Ferguson, 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, 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: 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 offer 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 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 effective recovery.
By utilizing our expertise and personalized approach, the Ferguson, MO physical therapists at Axes Physical Therapy can effectively manage running injuries, aiding in your return to your favorite activities with confidence and lowered chance of re-injury.
Other services we offer in Ferguson, 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: 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: Stick to 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: 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: 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 high-quality 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. Refrain from overexerting too quickly.
By adhering to these guidelines and collaborating with your physical therapist in Ferguson, 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 Ferguson, 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. Treating injuries early, engaging in a comprehensive physical therapy program, and adhering to a gradual return-to-running plan are vital steps in ensuring a safe and effective recovery. Axes Physical Therapy is committed to providing personalized, evidence-backed care to help individuals in Ferguson, MO recover from running injuries and reach your fitness objectives.
If a running injury is keeping you from your favorite activities in Ferguson, MO, act now. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and start your journey toward a full recovery. Our experienced Ferguson, MO physical therapists are here to help you get back to the activities you love with confidence and strength.