Running Injury Treatment Overland, MO

Running Injury Overland, MO. Running is a well-loved and satisfying activity, but getting fit and chasing that “runner’s high” carries the possibility of injury. Whether you’re an skilled marathoner, a weekend jogger, or focused on slimming down, running injuries can disrupt your routine and slow down your progress. Getting the effective treatment for these running injuries in Overland, MO is vital for a speedy recovery and avoiding long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Overland, MO physical therapists are experts in treating running injuries with customized treatments and evidence-backed methods. Our knowledgeable physical therapists are dedicated to helping you resume the activities you love, guaranteeing a secure and lasting return to running. Contact the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment today to get started. Or, you can visit 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 ways to achieve the benefits of running safely.

Common Running Injuries and How Overland, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Understanding typical running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for successful treatment and prevention. Some of the most common running injuries in Overland, MO are:

Shin Splints

Description: Shin splints, scientifically termed 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, jogging on unforgiving or irregular terrain, improper footwear, and having low arches or overly firm foot structure.

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

Treatment: Treatment is centered on easing pain and inflammation and preventing 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: 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 lessen 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 improve alignment and muscle balance. Your Overland, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to stabilize the kneecap and ease 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: Repetitive stress from overuse during various activities, sudden increases in training intensity, calf muscle tightness, 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. You may notice discomfort that intensifies during physical activity.

Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching and strengthening exercises, and physical therapy. Your Overland, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to strengthen the tendon. This method assists 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: Repetitive stress from overuse in various activities, wearing the wrong shoes, having high or flat arches, or tight calf muscles, or abruptly ramping up your workout intensity.

Symptoms: Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, particularly noticeable with the first steps after waking or after periods of inactivity, soreness, and swelling in the heel. Pain may intensify after prolonged standing or walking.

Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Your Overland, 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 resulting from repetitive force, often from overuse.

Causes: Sudden increases in training intensity, running on hard or uneven surfaces, improper footwear, insufficient recovery time, and dietary shortages 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 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 sufficient levels of calcium and vitamin D may also be recommended. Your physical 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 extended too far or torn.

Causes: Sudden acceleration or deceleration 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: The R.I.C.E method, and physical therapy with careful stretching and strengthening exercises. Manual therapy techniques to reduce muscle tension and promote healing may also be recommended. This method assists in facilitating recovery and avoiding recurrence.

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, 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. There can also be instability in the ankle joint.

Treatment: The R.I.C.E method, and Overland, MO physical therapy with strengthening exercises for the muscles around the ankle, balance and proprioception exercises, and manual therapy techniques. This approach helps in restoring 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: 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 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: 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 typical among runners and athletes who engage in activities that require repetitive rubbing of the skin. These painful bubbles can appear 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. Shoes that are either too tight or loose and lack of moisture management can lead to blisters, especially during long 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 raised bubble filled with clear fluid or, in severe cases, blood, redness and swelling around the blister, and trouble with the affected area due to pain. You may also feel irritation when wearing shoes.

Treatment: Covering the blister with pads or bandages, careful drainage if necessary, moisture management, wearing appropriate shoes and foot care techniques, and in severe cases, Overland, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps avoid further rubbing and aid in healing.

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

Physical therapists play a crucial role in the recovery and rehabilitation of injuries from running in Overland, MO. Our expertise and personalized care help Overland, MO runners return to their activities safely and effectively. Here’s how our Overland, 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, our physical therapists create 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: Our physical therapists use hands-on techniques 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 crucial components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists design targeted exercise programs to address muscle imbalances, improve flexibility, and enhance 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 helps ensure a safe and effective recovery.

By utilizing our expertise and personalized approach, the Overland, 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 Overland, MO include:

Getting Back to Running After Your Injury

Returning to running after an injury necessitates a careful and gradual approach to ensure long-term success and avoid further injury. Here are key steps to follow:

Gradual Return: Begin with gentle exercises 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: Maintain exercises prescribed by your physical therapist to maintain strength and flexibility. Target the muscles most affected by your injury to prevent recurrence.
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: Observe any signs of discomfort or pain. If you notice any symptoms of your previous injury, stop running and consult your physical therapist.
Maintain Good Running Form: Confirm you are running with proper form to reduce stress on your joints and muscles. Your physical therapist can offer advice on optimal running mechanics.
Use Appropriate Footwear: Invest in reliable running shoes that provide sufficient 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 adhering to these guidelines and collaborating with your physical therapist in Overland, 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 Overland, MO

Injuries from running can be a serious setback, but with the proper strategy to treatment and recovery, you can get back to the activities you love. Treating injuries early, engaging in a comprehensive physical therapy program, and following 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 Overland, MO overcome their running injuries and reach your fitness objectives.

If a running injury is holding you back from your favorite activities in Overland, MO, act now. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and initiate a full recovery. Our experienced Overland, MO physical therapists are here to help you return to your favorite activities with confidence and strength.

Overland, MO