Running Injury Gilmore, MO. Running is a favored and satisfying activity, but getting in shape and seeking that “runner’s high” entails the danger of injury. Whether you’re an skilled marathoner, a weekend jogger, or aiming to shed pounds, running injuries can interrupt your routine and slow down your progress. Getting the proper treatment for these running injuries in Gilmore, MO is vital for a swift recovery and preventing long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Gilmore, MO physical therapists focus in treating running injuries with personalized care and scientifically supported techniques. Our knowledgeable physical therapists are dedicated to helping you return to the activities you love, guaranteeing a secure and long-term return to running. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment today to begin your recovery. You may also visit 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 ways to achieve the benefits of running safely.

Common Running Injuries and How Gilmore, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Understanding frequent running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for successful treatment and prevention. Some of the most common running injuries in Gilmore, MO are:

Shin Splints

Description: Shin splints, also referred to as medial tibial stress syndrome, are noted for 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, running on hard or uneven surfaces, improper footwear, and having flat feet or excessively rigid arches.

Symptoms: Tenderness, soreness, or pain along the inner side of the tibia, slight swelling in the lower leg, and discomfort that subsides with rest but can return with physical activity.

Treatment: Treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation and avoiding 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 put strain 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 lessen 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 Gilmore, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to support the kneecap and reduce 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, 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: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching and strengthening exercises, and physical therapy. Your Gilmore, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to enhance tendon strength. This approach helps in promoting healing and preventing recurrence.

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, having high or flat arches, or tight calf muscles, or sudden increases in training intensity.

Symptoms: Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, particularly noticeable with the first steps after waking 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 Gilmore, 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, inadequate rest periods, 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 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, happens when muscle fibers are extended too far 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 gradual stretching and strengthening exercises. Manual therapy techniques to alleviate muscle tightness and promote healing may also be recommended. This method assists in facilitating recovery and preventing future injuries.

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: 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 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 Gilmore, 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 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 extending from the outer knee to the thigh, a clicking sensation on the outside of the knee, pain that intensifies with activity and lessens 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 common 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, usually 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, jogging on irregular or harsh terrain, and wearing new or stiff shoes without proper break-in. Poorly fitted footwear and lack of moisture management can result in blisters, especially during prolonged runs or intense workouts. Additional factors include hot weather, 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, 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, draining the blister carefully if needed, moisture management, wearing appropriate shoes and foot care techniques, and in severe cases, Gilmore, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps prevent further friction and aid in healing.

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

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

• Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis: Our physical therapists conduct comprehensive evaluations 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 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 essential components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists offer targeted exercise programs to correct muscle weaknesses, enhance range of motion, and enhance overall strength and stability.
• Education on Injury Prevention: Our physical therapists educate patients on proper techniques, footwear choices, and training regimens to prevent future injuries. This includes gait analysis and correction to ensure optimal 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 ensures a safe and effective recovery.

By utilizing our expertise and personalized approach, the Gilmore, 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 Gilmore, 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 necessitates 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 progressing 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 sustain 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 readies your muscles for activity and facilitates recovery.
• Monitor Your Body: Observe 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 give tips on optimal running mechanics.
• Use Appropriate Footwear: Invest in good-quality running shoes that provide proper 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 following these steps and collaborating with your physical therapist in Gilmore, 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 Gilmore, MO

Injuries from running can be a major setback, but with the right approach to treatment and recovery, you can get back to the activities you love. Treating injuries early, participating in a comprehensive physical therapy program, and following 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 Gilmore, MO overcome their running injuries and reach your fitness objectives.

If a running injury is preventing you from enjoying your favorite activities in Gilmore, MO, act now. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and initiate a full recovery. Our experienced Gilmore, MO physical therapists are here to help you get back to the activities you love with confidence and strength.