Running Injury Marthasville, MO. Running is a favored and gratifying activity, but getting in shape and aiming for that “runner’s high” carries the danger of injury. Whether you’re an veteran marathoner, a occasional jogger, or trying to lose weight, running injuries can interrupt your routine and slow down your progress. Getting the proper treatment for these running injuries in Marthasville, MO is critical for a speedy recovery and avoiding long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Marthasville, MO physical therapists specialize in treating running injuries with individualized attention and evidence-backed methods. Our experienced physical therapists are committed to helping you resume the activities you love, ensuring a risk-free and sustainable return to running. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment today to begin your recovery. You may also stop by 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 Marthasville, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Understanding common running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for proper handling and prevention. Among the prevalent running injuries in Marthasville, 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 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 abrupt increases in training intensity, exercising on solid or bumpy grounds, improper footwear, and possessing flat feet or overly stiff arches.

Symptoms: Tenderness, soreness, 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 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: Weak or imbalanced thigh muscles, improper running form, overuse, and activities that stress 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 worsen with activity and lessen 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 Marthasville, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to support the kneecap and ease 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, sudden increases in training intensity, calf muscle tightness, wearing the wrong shoes, and jogging on irregular terrain.

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 Marthasville, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to enhance tendon strength. 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 runs across the bottom of the foot.

Causes: Repetitive stress from overuse in various activities, wearing the wrong shoes, high arches, flat feet, tight calf muscles, or sudden increases in training intensity.

Symptoms: Sharp, stabbing 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 Marthasville, 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: Sudden increases in training intensity, jogging on unforgiving or irregular terrain, improper footwear, insufficient recovery time, and dietary shortages 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 eases with rest but recurs during physical activity, and visible bruising in some cases.

Treatment: The R.I.C.E method, 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 both physical health.

Muscle Pull

Description: A muscle pull, commonly referred to as a muscle strain, occurs when muscle fibers are overstretched or torn.

Causes: Quick changes in speed 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. 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 gradual stretching and strengthening exercises. Manual therapy techniques to alleviate muscle tightness and promote healing may also be recommended. This approach helps in restoring function 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, irregular surfaces that lead to unexpected ankle turns, 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 Marthasville, 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 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 worn-out or inappropriate footwear.

Symptoms: Pain extending from the outer knee to the thigh, a snapping feeling 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 flexibility-enhancing stretches, strengthening exercises for the hip and gluteal muscles, gait analysis and correction, foam rolling, and massage techniques. These methods help in alleviating discomfort and promoting healing.

Blisters

Description: Blisters are fluid-filled bubbles that form on the skin due to friction. They are frequent 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 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. Shoes that are either too tight or loose and not keeping feet dry can result in blisters, especially during prolonged 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, if serious, blood, redness and swelling around the blister, and difficulty using the affected area due to pain. You may also experience discomfort when putting on footwear.

Treatment: Covering the blister with pads or bandages, draining the blister carefully if needed, keeping the affected area clean and dry, proper footwear and foot care techniques, and in severe cases, Marthasville, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps avoid further rubbing and promote healing.

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

Physical therapists are vital in the recovery and rehabilitation of injuries from running in Marthasville, MO. Our knowledge and individualized treatment help Marthasville, MO runners return to their activities securely and efficiently. Here’s how our Marthasville, MO physical therapists can help you:

• Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis: We perform in-depth assessments to identify the underlying 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 typically involve a combination of therapies and exercises designed to promote healing and prevent recurrence.
• Manual Therapy and Advanced Techniques: Our physical therapists use hands-on techniques 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 essential components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists design targeted exercise programs to correct muscle weaknesses, enhance range of motion, and enhance overall strength and stability.
• Education on Injury Prevention: Our physical therapists educate patients 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 closely monitor your progress, making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This ongoing support ensures a safe and efficient recovery.

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

Other services we offer in Marthasville, 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: 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 keep up strength and flexibility. Pay attention to the muscles most affected by your injury to avoid re-injury.
• Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Make sure to incorporate a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterward. This prepares your muscles for activity and aids in recovery.
• Monitor Your Body: Be aware of 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 good-quality running shoes that provide proper 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 collaborating with your physical therapist in Marthasville, 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 Marthasville, 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. Treating injuries early, participating in a comprehensive physical therapy program, and following 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 Marthasville, MO recover from running injuries and achieve your fitness goals.

If a running injury is holding you back from your favorite activities in Marthasville, MO, act now. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and start your journey toward a full recovery. Our experienced Marthasville, MO physical therapists are prepared to support you return to your favorite activities with confidence and strength.