Running Injury Glen Carbon, IL. Running is a common and satisfying activity, but getting in shape and pursuing that “runner’s high” carries the risk of injury. Whether you’re an veteran marathoner, a casual jogger, or aiming to shed pounds, running injuries can disrupt your routine and hinder your progress. Getting the effective treatment for these running injuries in Glen Carbon, IL is critical for a prompt recovery and averting long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Glen Carbon, IL physical therapists are experts in treating running injuries with individualized attention and evidence-backed methods. Our experienced physical therapists are committed to helping you return to the activities you love, guaranteeing a safe and lasting return to running. Reach out to the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment today to start your journey. Or, 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 Glen Carbon, IL Physical Therapists Treat Them

Understanding common running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is vital for successful treatment and prevention. Some of the most common running injuries in Glen Carbon, IL 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, exercising on solid or bumpy grounds, improper footwear, and having low arches or overly firm foot structure.

Symptoms: Sensitivity, soreness, or pain along the inner side of the shinbone, minor swelling in the lower leg, and discomfort that improves with rest but can recur with physical 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 exercises that improve strength, mobility, and flexibility.

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: 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 tight hamstrings, calf muscles, and soft tissue imbalances.

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. 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 improve alignment and muscle balance. Your Glen Carbon, IL physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to support the kneecap and reduce 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, abruptly ramping up your workout intensity, tight calf muscles, improper footwear, 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 Glen Carbon, IL physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to strengthen the tendon. 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 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 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, 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 Glen Carbon, IL physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and methods to care for your feet. This method aids 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, 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 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 adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D may also be recommended. A professional 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 strained or torn.

Causes: Sudden acceleration or deceleration during activities like sprinting, overuse or repetitive stress on the muscle, 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 gentle stretching and strengthening exercises. Manual therapy techniques to reduce muscle tension 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, 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 Glen Carbon, IL 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, jogging on irregular or inclined terrain, weak hip and gluteal muscles, improper running form, and worn-out or inappropriate footwear.

Symptoms: Pain on the outside of the knee that may extend up the thigh, a snapping feeling along the outer knee, pain that increases 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 stretching exercises to improve flexibility, 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 common among runners and athletes who engage in activities that involve 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 ill-fitting, 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. Shoes that are either too tight or loose and not keeping feet dry can result in blisters, especially during prolonged runs or intense training sessions. 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, in severe cases, blood, redness and swelling around the blister, and trouble with the affected area due to pain. You may also experience irritation when wearing shoes.

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, Glen Carbon, IL physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps prevent further rubbing and aid in healing.

How Glen Carbon, IL Physical Therapists Can Help in Your Running Injury Treatment

Therapists play a crucial role in the recovery and rehabilitation of running injuries in Glen Carbon, IL. Our knowledge and personalized care help Glen Carbon, IL runners resume their activities securely and effectively. Here’s how our Glen Carbon, IL physical therapists can help you:

• Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis: Our physical therapists conduct comprehensive evaluations to identify the underlying cause of the injury, ensuring an accurate diagnosis.
• Development of Personalized Treatment Plans: Based on the assessment, we develop 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: 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: Strengthening and stretching exercises are crucial components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists provide targeted exercise programs to correct muscle weaknesses, improve flexibility, and boost 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 optimal 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 leveraging our expertise and personalized approach, the Glen Carbon, IL 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 Glen Carbon, IL include:

• Hand Pain Physical Therapy
• Foot & Ankle Pain Treatment
• Hip Pain Treatment
• Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Hip Replacement Physical Therapy
• Workers Comp' Physical Therapy
• Migraine Relief
• Sprain and Strain Treatment
• Geriatric Physical Therapy

Getting Back to Running After Your Injury

Returning to running after an injury demands a careful and gradual approach to ensure long-term success and prevent re-injury. Here are key steps to follow:

• Gradual Return: Begin with gentle exercises 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: Always include a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterward. This readies your muscles for activity and aids in recovery.
• Monitor Your Body: Be aware of 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: Ensure you are running with proper form to reduce stress on your joints and muscles. Your physical therapist can assist on optimal running mechanics.
• Use Appropriate Footwear: Invest in reliable 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 adhering to these guidelines and collaborating with your physical therapist in Glen Carbon, IL, 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 Glen Carbon, IL

Running injuries can be a serious setback, but with the right approach to treatment and recovery, 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 crucial steps in ensuring a safe and effective recovery. Axes Physical Therapy is committed to providing personalized, evidence-backed care to help individuals in Glen Carbon, IL overcome their running injuries and reach your fitness objectives.

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