Running Injury New Town, MO. Running is a common and rewarding activity, but getting in shape and pursuing that “runner’s high” comes with the danger of injury. Whether you’re an skilled marathoner, a occasional jogger, or aiming to shed pounds, running injuries can disrupt your routine and hinder your progress. Getting the appropriate treatment for these running injuries in New Town, MO is crucial for a prompt recovery and averting long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our New Town, MO physical therapists are experts in treating running injuries with personalized care and scientifically supported techniques. Our experienced physical therapists are focused on helping you resume the activities you love, ensuring a secure and long-term return to running. Contact the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment today to begin your recovery. You may also come to 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 tips on gaining the benefits of running safely.

Common Running Injuries and How New Town, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Understanding frequent running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for proper handling and prevention. In New Town, MO, runners often encounter these common injuries:

Shin Splints

Description: Shin splints, also referred to 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 rapid escalation in training levels, running on hard or uneven surfaces, improper footwear, and having low arches or overly firm foot structure.

Symptoms: Tenderness, aching, or pain along the inner side of the shinbone, mild swelling in the lower leg, and discomfort that eases with rest but can come back when you resume activity.

Treatment: Treatment is centered on reducing pain and inflammation and avoiding 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 increase with activity and ease 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 correct alignment and muscle balance. Your New Town, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to stabilize the kneecap and alleviate pain. This method helps 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, tight calf muscles, improper footwear, 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. There may be discomfort that intensifies during physical activity.

Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching and strengthening exercises, and physical therapy. Your New Town, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to enhance tendon strength. This method assists 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, wearing the wrong shoes, high arches, flat feet, tight calf muscles, or abruptly ramping up your workout 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 New Town, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and foot care techniques. This approach helps in reducing pain and facilitating recovery.

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, inadequate rest periods, and dietary shortages 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 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 sufficient levels of calcium and vitamin D may also be recommended. A professional therapist will guide you through recovery, emphasizing both physical 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: Applying rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E), and physical therapy with gradual stretching and strengthening exercises. Manual therapy techniques to reduce muscle tension 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, typically 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. You might also experience instability in the ankle joint.

Treatment: The R.I.C.E method, and New Town, 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 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, jogging on irregular or inclined terrain, 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 snapping sensation along the outer knee, pain that intensifies 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 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 frequent among runners and athletes who engage in activities that involve repetitive rubbing of the skin. These uncomfortable bubbles can appear on any part of the body, most often 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 lead to 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 experience irritation when wearing shoes.

Treatment: Covering the blister with pads or bandages, careful drainage if necessary, moisture management, proper footwear and foot care techniques, and for more serious cases, New Town, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps prevent further rubbing and promote healing.

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

Therapists play a crucial role in the recovery and restoration of running injuries in New Town, MO. Our expertise and individualized treatment help New Town, MO runners return to their activities safely and efficiently. Here’s how our New Town, MO physical therapists can help you:

• Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis: Our physical therapists conduct comprehensive evaluations 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: 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: Strengthening and stretching exercises are vital components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists offer targeted exercise programs to address muscle imbalances, 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 prevent future injuries. This includes gait analysis and correction to ensure ideal 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 effective recovery.

By leveraging our knowledge and personalized approach, the New Town, 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 New Town, MO include:

• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Hip Replacement Physical Therapy
• Workers Comp' Physical Therapy
• Migraine Relief
• Sprain and Strain Treatment
• Geriatric Physical Therapy
• Injury Rehabilitation
• Pain Management Services
• TMJ Treatment
• Herniated Disc 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: Begin with gentle exercises like walking or swimming before moving on to light jogging. Gradually 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 sustain strength and flexibility. Target the muscles most affected by your injury to avoid re-injury.
• Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Never skip a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterward. This prepares your muscles for activity and aids in 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 assist 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. Refrain from overexerting too quickly.

By following these steps and collaborating with your physical therapist in New Town, 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 New Town, MO

Running injuries can be a major setback, but with the right approach to treatment and recovery, you can return 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 essential steps in ensuring a safe and effective recovery. Axes Physical Therapy is committed to providing personalized, evidence-backed care to help individuals in New Town, MO recover from running injuries and reach your fitness objectives.

If a running injury is keeping you from your favorite activities in New Town, MO, don’t wait. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and start your journey toward a full recovery. Our experienced New Town, MO physical therapists are prepared to support you get back to the activities you love with confidence and strength.