Running Injury Treatment Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO

Running Injury Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO. Running is a favored and gratifying activity, but getting fit and seeking that “runner’s high” includes the danger of injury. Whether you’re an skilled marathoner, a recreational jogger, or trying to lose weight, running injuries can hinder your routine and hinder your progress. Getting the appropriate treatment for these running injuries in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO is essential for a quick recovery and averting long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO physical therapists focus in treating running injuries with personalized care and scientifically supported techniques. Our experienced physical therapists are dedicated to helping you return to the activities you love, ensuring a risk-free and lasting return to running. Call 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 ways to achieve the benefits of running safely.

Common Running Injuries and How Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Grasping typical running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for successful treatment and prevention. Among the prevalent running injuries in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO, are:

Shin Splints

Description: Shin splints, medically known 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 sudden boosts in workout intensity, jogging on unforgiving or irregular terrain, improper footwear, and having low arches or overly firm foot structure.

Symptoms: Tenderness, soreness, or pain along the inner side of the shinbone, slight 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: 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 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. 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 Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to brace 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: Overuse from activities that involve repetitive stress on the tendon, abruptly ramping up your workout intensity, calf muscle tightness, 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. You may notice discomfort that worsens with activity.

Treatment: A regimen of rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory drugs, targeted stretching and strengthening routines, and professional physical therapy. Your Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to enhance tendon strength. This method assists in facilitating recovery and preventing recurrence.

Plantar Fasciitis

Description: Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot.

Causes: Overuse from activities that involve repetitive stress on the feet, 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, tenderness, and swelling in the heel. Discomfort can increase after prolonged standing or walking.

Treatment: A combination of rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory medications, specific stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Your Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, 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: Sudden increases in training intensity, running on hard or uneven surfaces, improper footwear, inadequate rest periods, and nutritional deficiencies 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: 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. 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 extended too far 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: 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. There may also be a noticeable decrease in strength and mobility.

Treatment: Applying rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E), 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 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: Sudden twisting or rolling 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 Grand Center Arts District, 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 worn-out or inappropriate footwear.

Symptoms: Pain on the outside of the knee that may extend up the thigh, a clicking sensation on the outside of the knee, pain that worsens 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 frequent 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 increases friction, running on uneven or rough surfaces, and wearing new or stiff shoes without proper break-in. Poorly fitted footwear and lack of moisture management can lead to blisters, especially during extended runs or intense physical activities. Additional factors include hot weather, wearing improper 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, inflammation around the blister, and difficulty using the affected area due to pain. You may also feel irritation when putting on footwear.

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, Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps prevent further friction and aid in 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 Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO. Our knowledge and personalized care help Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO runners resume their activities securely and efficiently. Here’s how our Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO 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 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 crucial components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists provide targeted exercise programs to address muscle imbalances, improve flexibility, and enhance 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 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 harnessing our expertise and personalized approach, the Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, 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 Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO include:

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 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. Gradually 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 preserve strength and flexibility. Target the muscles most affected by your injury to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Never skip a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterward. This conditions your muscles for activity and promotes recovery.
Monitor Your Body: Listen to 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 provide guidance 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. Refrain from overexerting too quickly.

By following these steps and collaborating with your physical therapist in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, 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 Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO

Injuries from running can be a major setback, but with the proper strategy to rehabilitation, 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 vital steps in ensuring a safe and effective recovery. Axes Physical Therapy is committed to providing personalized, evidence-backed care to help individuals in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO recover from running injuries and achieve your fitness goals.

If a running injury is holding you back from your favorite activities in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO, delay no more. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and begin your path to a full recovery. Our experienced Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO physical therapists are prepared to support you get back to the activities you love with confidence and strength.

Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO