Running Injury House Springs, MO. Running is a popular and fulfilling activity, but getting in shape and pursuing that “runner’s high” carries the possibility of injury. Whether you’re an experienced marathoner, a casual jogger, or trying to lose weight, running injuries can derail your routine and hinder your progress. Getting the proper treatment for these running injuries in House Springs, MO is vital for a swift recovery and averting long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our House Springs, MO physical therapists focus in treating running injuries with customized treatments and evidence-backed methods. Our experienced physical therapists are focused on helping you resume the activities you love, ensuring a safe and sustainable return to running. Reach out to 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 tips on gaining the benefits of running safely.

Common Running Injuries and How House Springs, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Grasping frequent running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for effective management and prevention. Some of the most common running injuries in House Springs, MO are:

Shin Splints

Description: Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are defined by pain along the shinbone (tibia) due to swelling 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, aching, or pain along the inner side of the tibia, mild swelling in the lower leg, and discomfort that eases with rest but can recur when you resume 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, 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 stress 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 improve 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 House Springs, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to brace the kneecap and ease pain. This method contributes to 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, calf muscle tightness, wearing the wrong shoes, 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 House Springs, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to strengthen the tendon. This approach helps 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 spans 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: Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity, soreness, 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 House Springs, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and foot care techniques. This method aids in reducing pain and promoting healing.

Stress Fractures

Description: Stress fractures are small cracks in a bone resulting from repetitive force, often from overuse.

Causes: Abrupt boosts in workout levels, jogging on unforgiving or irregular terrain, improper footwear, insufficient recovery time, 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 location, 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. 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, happens 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. There may also be a noticeable decrease in strength and mobility.

Treatment: The R.I.C.E method, and physical therapy with careful 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, commonly 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. There can also be instability in the ankle joint.

Treatment: The R.I.C.E method, and House Springs, 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 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 worn-out or inappropriate footwear.

Symptoms: Pain on the outside of the knee that may extend up the thigh, a snapping sensation along the outer 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 flexibility-enhancing stretches, strengthening exercises for the hip and gluteal muscles, gait analysis and correction, foam rolling, and massage techniques. These methods assist in relieving pain 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 painful 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, running on uneven or rough surfaces, 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, wearing improper socks, and prolonged activity.

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 difficulty using the affected area due to pain. You may also experience irritation when putting on footwear.

Treatment: Protection using blister pads or bandages, draining the blister carefully if needed, keeping the affected area clean and dry, wearing appropriate shoes and foot care techniques, and for more serious cases, House Springs, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps avoid further rubbing and aid in healing.

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

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

• Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis: We perform in-depth assessments 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: 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 vital components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists design targeted exercise programs to correct muscle weaknesses, enhance range of motion, 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 efficient 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 efficient recovery.

By utilizing our expertise and personalized approach, the House Springs, MO physical therapists at Axes Physical Therapy can effectively manage running injuries, aiding in your return to your favorite activities with confidence and lowered chance of re-injury.

Other services we offer in House Springs, MO include:

• Pain Management Services
• TMJ Treatment
• Herniated Disc Treatment
• Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
• MCL Tear
• ACL Rehabilitation
• Functional Capacity Evaluation
• Vertigo Treatment
• Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy

Getting Back to Running After Your Injury

Returning to running after an injury requires 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 progressing to light jogging. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your runs as your body adapts.
• Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises: Follow exercises prescribed by your physical therapist to preserve strength and flexibility. Concentrate on the muscles most affected by your injury to reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Always include a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterward. This helps prepare your muscles for activity and promotes recovery.
• Monitor Your Body: Pay attention to 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 give tips on optimal running mechanics.
• Use Appropriate Footwear: Invest in durable 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 collaborating with your physical therapist in House Springs, 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 House Springs, MO

Running injuries can be a serious 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 adhering to 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 House Springs, MO recover from running injuries and achieve your fitness goals.

If a running injury is preventing you from enjoying your favorite activities in House Springs, MO, act now. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and start your journey toward a full recovery. Our experienced House Springs, MO physical therapists are here to help you return to your favorite activities with confidence and strength.