Running Injury Lake Tekawitha, MO. Running is a favored and rewarding activity, but achieving fitness and chasing that “runner’s high” comes with the possibility of injury. Whether you’re an skilled marathoner, a occasional jogger, or aiming to shed pounds, running injuries can disrupt your routine and obstruct your progress. Getting the right treatment for these running injuries in Lake Tekawitha, MO is vital for a swift recovery and avoiding long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Lake Tekawitha, MO physical therapists specialize in treating running injuries with personalized care and evidence-backed methods. Our skilled physical therapists are focused on helping you get back to the activities you love, guaranteeing a secure and long-term return to running. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment today to start your journey. 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 Lake Tekawitha, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Grasping common running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for successful treatment and prevention. Among the prevalent running injuries in Lake Tekawitha, MO, are:

Shin Splints

Description: Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are noted for 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 sudden boosts in workout intensity, exercising on solid or bumpy grounds, improper footwear, and having low arches or overly firm foot structure.

Symptoms: Tenderness, discomfort, or pain along the inner side of the tibia, slight 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 strengthening and stretching exercises.

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 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, most apparent when bending the knee, climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for extended periods. The pain may intensify with activity and improve with rest. Discomfort can occur 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 Lake Tekawitha, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to support 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: Repetitive stress from overuse during various activities, 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, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity, swelling, and limited range of motion in the ankle. There may be 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 Lake Tekawitha, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to enhance tendon strength. This approach helps in promoting healing and avoiding future issues.

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, improper footwear, high arches, flat feet, tight calf muscles, or sudden increases in training 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. 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 Lake Tekawitha, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and methods to care for your feet. This approach helps 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, 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 intensifies during weight-bearing activities, swelling and tenderness at the fracture site, pain that eases with rest but recurs during physical activity, and occasional visible bruising.

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 both physical health.

Muscle Pull

Description: A muscle pull, sometimes called a muscle strain, occurs 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: 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 gradual stretching and strengthening exercises. Manual therapy techniques to alleviate muscle tightness 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, 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. You might also experience instability in the ankle joint.

Treatment: The R.I.C.E method, and Lake Tekawitha, 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 avoiding recurrence.

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: Overuse from repetitive activities 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 radiating from the outer knee to the thigh, a clicking sensation on the outside of the 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 flexibility-enhancing stretches, strengthening exercises for the hip and gluteal muscles, gait analysis and correction, foam rolling, and massage techniques. These methods assist in alleviating discomfort 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 entail repetitive rubbing of the skin. These painful bubbles can form on any part of the body, most often on the feet.

Causes: Friction from shoes or socks that are too tight or loose, moisture from sweat that softens the skin and heightens rubbing, running on uneven or rough surfaces, 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 extended runs or intense training sessions. Additional factors include hot weather, wearing improper socks, and prolonged activity.

Symptoms: Pain and tenderness at the site of the blister, a fluid-filled bubble or, in severe cases, blood, redness and swelling around the blister, and difficulty using 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, keeping the affected area clean and dry, proper footwear and foot care techniques, and in severe cases, Lake Tekawitha, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps avoid further friction and aid in healing.

How Lake Tekawitha, MO Physical Therapists Can Help in Your Running Injury Treatment

Physical therapists are vital in the healing and rehabilitation of running injuries in Lake Tekawitha, MO. Our knowledge and individualized treatment help Lake Tekawitha, MO runners resume their activities securely and efficiently. Here’s how our Lake Tekawitha, 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: 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 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 harnessing our knowledge and personalized approach, the Lake Tekawitha, 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 Lake Tekawitha, MO include:

• Herniated Disc Treatment
• Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
• MCL Tear
• ACL Rehabilitation
• Functional Capacity Evaluation
• Vertigo Treatment
• Vestibular Therapy
• Concussion Treatment

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 progressing to light jogging. Slowly increase the intensity and duration of your runs as your body adapts.
• Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises: Follow exercises prescribed by your physical therapist to enhance strength and flexibility. Concentrate on the muscles most affected by your injury to reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Make sure to incorporate a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterward. This helps prepare your muscles for activity and supports recovery.
• Monitor Your Body: Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain. If you encounter any symptoms of your previous injury, stop running and consult your physical therapist.
• Maintain Good Running Form: Verify 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 good-quality 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. Don’t push yourself too fast too soon.

By following these steps and working closely with your physical therapist in Lake Tekawitha, 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 Lake Tekawitha, MO

Running injuries can be a serious setback, but with the proper strategy to rehabilitation, 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 Lake Tekawitha, MO recover from running injuries and reach your fitness objectives.

If a running injury is keeping you from your favorite activities in Lake Tekawitha, MO, delay no more. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and start your journey toward a full recovery. Our experienced Lake Tekawitha, MO physical therapists are here to help you return to your favorite activities with confidence and strength.