Running Injury Treatment Foley, MO

Running Injury Foley, MO. Running is a favored and gratifying activity, but achieving fitness and chasing that “runner’s high” comes with the danger of injury. Whether you’re an veteran marathoner, a casual jogger, or working on weight loss, running injuries can hinder your routine and impede your progress. Getting the right treatment for these running injuries in Foley, MO is vital for a prompt recovery and averting long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Foley, MO physical therapists are experts in treating running injuries with customized treatments and evidence-backed methods. Our experienced physical therapists are focused on helping you return to the activities you love, guaranteeing a safe and sustainable return to running. Contact 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 look into 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 Foley, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Grasping common running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for proper handling and prevention. Among the prevalent running injuries in Foley, MO, are:

Shin Splints

Description: Shin splints, scientifically termed 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 abrupt increases in training intensity, exercising on solid or bumpy grounds, improper footwear, and having flat feet or excessively rigid arches.

Symptoms: Sensitivity, aching, or pain along the inner side of the tibia, mild swelling in the lower leg, and discomfort that eases with rest but can recur when you resume activity.

Treatment: Treatment is centered on alleviating 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, 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 stress 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 lessen with rest. You might experience discomfort during physical activities or even while resting.

Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, strengthening and stretching exercises, and physical therapy to correct alignment and muscle balance. Your Foley, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to stabilize the kneecap and ease pain. This method helps reducing 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, 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. 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 Foley, 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: 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, particularly noticeable with the first steps after waking 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 Foley, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and methods to care for your feet. This method aids in alleviating discomfort and facilitating recovery.

Stress Fractures

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

Causes: Sudden increases in training intensity, running on hard or uneven surfaces, improper footwear, inadequate rest periods, and dietary shortages such as low calcium or vitamin D levels.

Symptoms: Slowly developing pain that intensifies during weight-bearing activities, swelling and tenderness at the fracture site, 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, commonly referred to as a muscle strain, occurs when muscle fibers are strained 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. You may also experience a noticeable decrease in strength and mobility.

Treatment: The R.I.C.E method, and physical therapy with gentle 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 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: 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. You might also experience instability in the ankle joint.

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

Symptoms: Pain on the outside of the knee that may extend up the thigh, a clicking feeling along the outer knee, pain that worsens 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 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 involve repetitive rubbing of the skin. These uncomfortable bubbles can develop 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. Poorly fitted footwear and not keeping feet dry can result in blisters, especially during long 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, if serious, blood, redness and swelling around the blister, and trouble with the affected area due to pain. You may also feel discomfort when wearing shoes.

Treatment: Protection using blister pads or bandages, careful drainage if necessary, moisture management, proper footwear and foot care techniques, and in severe cases, Foley, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps avoid further friction and aid in healing.

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

Physical therapists are vital in the healing and rehabilitation of running injuries in Foley, MO. Our expertise and individualized treatment help Foley, MO runners resume their activities safely and efficiently. Here’s how our Foley, 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: Our physical therapists use hands-on techniques 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: Targeted exercises are crucial components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists design targeted exercise programs to address muscle imbalances, enhance range of motion, and boost overall strength and stability.
Education on Injury Prevention: Our physical therapists inform individuals on proper techniques, footwear choices, and training regimens to prevent future injuries. This includes gait analysis and correction to ensure efficient 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 effective recovery.

By utilizing our knowledge and personalized approach, the Foley, MO physical therapists at Axes Physical Therapy can successfully handle running injuries, aiding in your return to your favorite activities with confidence and lowered chance of re-injury.

Other services we offer in Foley, 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. 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 prevent recurrence.
Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Make sure to incorporate a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterward. This helps prepare your muscles for activity and aids in recovery.
Monitor Your Body: Listen 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: Verify 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 good-quality 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. Don’t push yourself too fast too soon.

By following these steps and working closely with your physical therapist in Foley, 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 Foley, MO

Running injuries can be a major setback, but with the proper strategy to treatment and recovery, you can get back to the activities you love. Addressing injuries promptly, 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 Foley, MO overcome their running injuries and achieve your fitness goals.

If a running injury is keeping you from your favorite activities in Foley, MO, don’t wait. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and start your journey toward a full recovery. Our experienced Foley, MO physical therapists are ready to assist you return to your favorite activities with confidence and strength.

Foley, MO