Running Injury Leslie, MO. Running is a favored and rewarding activity, but achieving fitness and seeking that “runner’s high” comes with the possibility of injury. Whether you’re an skilled marathoner, a occasional jogger, or trying to lose weight, running injuries can hinder your routine and impede your progress. Getting the right treatment for these running injuries in Leslie, MO is critical for a speedy recovery and avoiding long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Leslie, MO physical therapists are experts in treating running injuries with individualized attention and proven approaches. Our knowledgeable physical therapists are committed to helping you return to the activities you love, ensuring a safe 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 stop by any one of our locations for a free injury screening.

You can also look into 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 Leslie, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Knowing common running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is vital for successful treatment and prevention. In Leslie, MO, runners often encounter these common injuries:

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 sudden boosts in workout intensity, running on hard or uneven surfaces, improper footwear, and having flat feet or excessively rigid arches.

Symptoms: Sensitivity, aching, or pain along the inner side of the tibia, mild swelling in the lower leg, and discomfort that eases with rest but can come back with physical activity.

Treatment: Treatment is centered on alleviating 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, is characterized by 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 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 worsen with activity and ease 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 correct alignment and muscle balance. Your Leslie, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to stabilize 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: Repetitive stress from overuse during various activities, abruptly ramping up your workout intensity, tight calf muscles, 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. There may be discomfort that worsens with activity.

Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching and strengthening exercises, and physical therapy. Your Leslie, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to strengthen the tendon. This approach helps in facilitating recovery and avoiding future issues.

Plantar Fasciitis

Description: Plantar fasciitis involves 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 abruptly ramping up your workout intensity.

Symptoms: Sharp, stabbing 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 Leslie, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and methods to care for your feet. This approach helps in alleviating discomfort 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 worsens with weight-bearing activity, swelling and tenderness at the fracture site, pain that improves with rest but returns with 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. 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, occurs 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: 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: 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, 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 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: Applying rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E), and Leslie, 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 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: Overuse from repetitive activities 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 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 improves 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 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 entail repetitive rubbing of the skin. These painful bubbles can develop 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 increases friction, 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 result in blisters, especially during extended runs or intense physical activities. Additional factors include hot weather, wearing improper socks, and prolonged activity.

Symptoms: Pain and tenderness at the site of the blister, a raised bubble filled with clear fluid or, in severe cases, blood, redness and swelling around the blister, and difficulty using the affected area due to pain. You may also experience irritation when putting on footwear.

Treatment: Covering the blister with pads or bandages, careful drainage if necessary, keeping the affected area clean and dry, wearing appropriate shoes and foot care techniques, and in severe cases, Leslie, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps avoid further rubbing and promote healing.

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

Physical therapists are vital in the recovery and restoration of running injuries in Leslie, MO. Our knowledge and personalized care help Leslie, MO runners resume their activities safely and efficiently. Here’s how our Leslie, MO physical therapists can help you:

• Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis: We perform in-depth assessments to identify the root cause of the injury, providing 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 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 vital components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists offer targeted exercise programs to correct muscle weaknesses, improve flexibility, and boost overall strength and stability.
• Education on Injury Prevention: Our physical therapists educate patients on proper techniques, footwear choices, and training regimens to prevent future 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 Leslie, MO physical therapists at Axes Physical Therapy can successfully handle running injuries, helping you get back to the activities you love with confidence and lowered chance of re-injury.

Other services we offer in Leslie, MO include:

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

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 moving on to light jogging. Slowly increase the intensity and duration of your runs as your body adapts.
• Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises: Stick to exercises prescribed by your physical therapist to maintain strength and flexibility. Concentrate on the muscles most affected by your injury to prevent recurrence.
• Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Don’t forget to add 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 encounter 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 give tips on optimal running mechanics.
• Use Appropriate Footwear: Invest in high-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. Refrain from overexerting too quickly.

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

Running injuries can be a significant setback, but with the right approach to treatment and recovery, you can get back to the activities you love. Treating injuries early, 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 Leslie, MO recover from running injuries and achieve your fitness goals.

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