Green Park, MO

Green Park, MO

Contact our Green Park, MO physical therapists to resume your activities and return to your favorite activities safely and effectively.

Running Injury Green Park, MO. Running is a common and satisfying activity, but getting fit and aiming for that “runner’s high” carries the risk of injury. Whether you’re an skilled marathoner, a recreational jogger, or trying to lose weight, running injuries can hinder your routine and obstruct your progress. Getting the appropriate treatment for these running injuries in Green Park, MO is critical for a speedy recovery and stopping long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Green Park, MO physical therapists specialize in treating running injuries with customized treatments and scientifically supported techniques. Our skilled physical therapists are focused on helping you resume the activities you love, guaranteeing a secure and sustainable return to running. Contact the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment today to get started. 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 Green Park, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Understanding common running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and prevention. Among the prevalent running injuries in Green Park, MO, are:

Shin Splints

Description: Shin splints, also referred to as medial tibial stress syndrome, are characterized by 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 abrupt increases in training intensity, running on hard or uneven surfaces, improper footwear, and possessing flat feet or overly stiff arches.

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

Treatment: Treatment is centered on easing 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 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. 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 enhance alignment and muscle balance. Your Green Park, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to support the kneecap and ease pain. This method aids in 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, 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 intensifies during physical activity.

Treatment: A regimen of rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory drugs, targeted stretching and strengthening routines, and professional physical therapy. Your Green Park, 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 is characterized by 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, improper footwear, 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. 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 Green Park, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and foot care techniques. This approach helps in alleviating discomfort and facilitating recovery.

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, insufficient recovery time, 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 location, pain that improves with rest but returns with activity, and occasional visible bruising.

Treatment: Applying rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E), and physical therapy with strengthening and stretching exercises. Nutritional counseling to ensure sufficient levels of calcium and vitamin D may also be recommended. Your physical therapist will guide you through recovery, emphasizing physical and nutritional health.

Muscle Pull

Description: A muscle pull, sometimes called a muscle strain, happens when muscle fibers are extended too far 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: 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: Applying rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E), 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 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, uneven surfaces that cause the ankle to turn unexpectedly, improper footwear, and previous ankle injuries that weaken the ligaments.

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 Green Park, MO physical therapy with strengthening exercises for the muscles around the ankle, balance and proprioception exercises, and manual therapy techniques. This approach helps 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 shoes that are either worn-out or not suitable.

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 stretching exercises to improve flexibility, strengthening exercises for the hip and gluteal muscles, gait analysis and correction, foam rolling, and massage techniques. These methods help in relieving pain 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 entail repetitive rubbing of the skin. These annoying bubbles can appear 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 cause blisters, especially during extended runs or intense workouts. Additional factors include high temperatures, 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, if serious, blood, inflammation around the blister, and trouble with the affected area due to pain. You may also feel irritation when putting on footwear.

Treatment: Covering the blister with pads or bandages, careful drainage if necessary, moisture management, wearing appropriate shoes and foot care techniques, and in severe cases, Green Park, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps avoid further rubbing and aid in healing.

Running Injury Treatment With St. Louis Physical Therapists

Therapists are vital in the healing and restoration of running injuries in Green Park, MO. Our knowledge and personalized care help Green Park, MO runners return to their activities safely and efficiently. Here’s how our Green Park, 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: We utilize manual methods 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: Strengthening and stretching exercises are essential components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists provide targeted exercise programs to address muscle imbalances, enhance range of motion, and boost 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 closely monitor 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 Green Park, MO physical therapists at Axes Physical Therapy can effectively manage running injuries, helping you get back to the activities you love with confidence and lowered chance of re-injury.

Other services we offer in Green Park, 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 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: Maintain exercises prescribed by your physical therapist to preserve strength and flexibility. Focus on the muscles most affected by your injury to stop re-injury.
  • 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: Be aware of 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 assist on optimal running mechanics.
  • Use Appropriate Footwear: Invest in durable running shoes that provide adequate 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. Avoid pushing yourself too hard too soon.

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

Injuries from running can be a serious setback, but with the right approach to treatment and recovery, you can get back to the activities you love. Addressing injuries promptly, participating in a comprehensive physical therapy program, and adhering to a gradual return-to-running plan are essential steps in ensuring a safe and effective recovery. Axes Physical Therapy is committed to providing personalized, evidence-backed care to help individuals in Green Park, MO overcome their running injuries and reach your fitness objectives.

If a running injury is holding you back from your favorite activities in Green Park, MO, delay no more. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and initiate a full recovery. Our experienced Green Park, MO physical therapists are ready to assist you return to your favorite activities with confidence and strength.

Services Offered

Services Offered
  • Physical Therapy
    • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
    • Acute Injury Management
    • Chronic Injury Management
  • Occupational Therapy
    • Certified Hand Therapy
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Vestibular Therapy and Post-Concussion Rehabilitation
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • Trigger Point Dry Needling
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTYM)
  • Spine Specialty – Manual Therapy Certified
  • Free Injury Screenings
  • Kinesio Taping®
  • Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Our Team

Stephen Brunjes
OTR/L, CEAS
Brian Wahlig
Front Office
Mandy Carter
MSPT, CMPT, ATC, CWC
Ray Bauer
Clinic Director, MSPT, CMPT

Locations

Begin Your Recovery Today

Injuries and pain shouldn’t keep you from moving and doing the things you love.