Holstein, MO

Holstein, MO

Contact our Holstein, MO physical therapists to get back on your feet and get back to the activities you love safely and effectively.

Running Injury Holstein, MO. Running is a well-loved and gratifying activity, but achieving fitness and chasing that “runner’s high” includes the risk of injury. Whether you’re an skilled marathoner, a recreational jogger, or focused on slimming down, running injuries can disrupt your routine and slow down your progress. Getting the right treatment for these running injuries in Holstein, MO is crucial for a quick recovery and avoiding long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Holstein, MO physical therapists are experts in treating running injuries with customized treatments and proven approaches. Our skilled physical therapists are committed to helping you get back to the activities you love, ensuring a safe and long-term return to running. Contact the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment today to begin your recovery. Or, you can come to 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 how to get the benefits of running safely.

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

Grasping typical running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for proper handling and prevention. In Holstein, MO, runners often encounter these common injuries:

Shin Splints

Description: Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are characterized 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 rapid escalation in training levels, 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 shinbone, mild swelling in the lower leg, and discomfort that subsides with rest but can come back with physical activity.

Treatment: Treatment focuses on easing 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, 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 muscle tightness in the hamstrings and calves, as well as imbalances in soft tissue.

Symptoms: Pain around or behind the kneecap, particularly noticeable when bending the knee, climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for extended periods. The pain may intensify 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 Holstein, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to stabilize the kneecap and alleviate 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: Repetitive stress from overuse during various activities, abruptly ramping up your workout intensity, calf muscle tightness, improper footwear, 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 Holstein, 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: Overuse from activities that involve repetitive stress on the feet, improper footwear, having high or flat arches, or 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, 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 Holstein, MO 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: Sudden increases in training intensity, jogging on unforgiving or irregular terrain, improper footwear, insufficient recovery time, and nutritional deficiencies such as low calcium or vitamin D levels.

Symptoms: Slowly developing pain that intensifies during weight-bearing activities, swelling and tenderness at the fracture location, pain that eases with rest but recurs during physical 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, emphasizing both physical health.

Muscle Pull

Description: A muscle pull, also known as a muscle strain, happens when muscle fibers are strained 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 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 avoiding recurrence.

Ankle Sprain

Description: An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, often 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. There can also be instability in the ankle joint.

Treatment: The R.I.C.E method, and Holstein, 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 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, running on uneven or sloped surfaces, weak hip and gluteal muscles, improper running form, and shoes that are either worn-out or not suitable.

Symptoms: Pain radiating from the outer knee to the thigh, a snapping 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: 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 enhancing recovery.

Blisters

Description: Blisters are fluid-filled bubbles that form on the skin due to friction. They are typical among runners and athletes who engage in activities that require repetitive rubbing of the skin. These uncomfortable bubbles can appear 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, 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 lack of moisture management can lead to blisters, especially during extended 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, inflammation around the blister, and trouble with the affected area due to pain. You may also experience irritation when putting on footwear.

Treatment: Protection using blister pads or bandages, careful drainage if necessary, moisture management, wearing appropriate shoes and foot care techniques, and for more serious cases, Holstein, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps prevent further rubbing and promote healing.

Running Injury Treatment With St. Louis Physical Therapists

Physical therapists play a crucial role in the healing and restoration of running injuries in Holstein, MO. Our knowledge and individualized treatment help Holstein, MO runners return to their activities safely and effectively. Here’s how our Holstein, 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, our physical therapists create 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: 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: Targeted exercises are vital components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists provide targeted exercise programs to correct muscle weaknesses, 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 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 helps ensure a safe and effective recovery.

By leveraging our knowledge and personalized approach, the Holstein, MO physical therapists at Axes Physical Therapy can effectively manage running injuries, aiding in your return to your favorite activities with confidence and reduced risk of recurrence.

Other services we offer in Holstein, 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. 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 preserve strength and flexibility. Target the muscles most affected by your injury to stop re-injury.
  • Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Don’t forget to add a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterward. This readies your muscles for activity and promotes recovery.
  • Monitor Your Body: Observe any signs of discomfort or pain. If you experience any symptoms of your previous injury, stop running and consult your physical therapist.
  • Maintain Good Running Form: Make sure 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 ample 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 working closely with your physical therapist in Holstein, 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 Holstein, MO

Running injuries can be a major setback, but with the right approach to rehabilitation, you can get back 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 Holstein, MO recover from running injuries and reach your fitness objectives.

If a running injury is keeping you from your favorite activities in Holstein, MO, don’t wait. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and initiate a full recovery. Our experienced Holstein, MO physical therapists are prepared to support 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
Brittany Stapp
Front Office Supervisor
Sara Dowil
OTR/L, CHT
Mike Faris
Clinic Director, PT, CMPT
Kelly Basler
Front Office
Megan Henderson
OTR/L, CHT

Locations

Begin Your Recovery Today

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