Running Injury Treatment Pevely, MO

Running Injury Pevely, MO. Running is a well-loved and rewarding activity, but getting in shape and aiming for that “runner’s high” entails the chance of injury. Whether you’re an skilled marathoner, a occasional jogger, or aiming to shed pounds, running injuries can interrupt your routine and obstruct your progress. Getting the right treatment for these running injuries in Pevely, MO is vital for a prompt recovery and preventing long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Pevely, MO physical therapists specialize in treating running injuries with individualized attention and scientifically supported techniques. Our skilled physical therapists are focused on helping you resume the activities you love, guaranteeing a safe and sustainable return to running. Contact the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment today to get started. You may also 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 tips on gaining the benefits of running safely.

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

Grasping frequent running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is vital for proper handling and prevention. Some of the most common running injuries in Pevely, MO are:

Shin Splints

Description: Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are characterized by pain along the shinbone (tibia) due to inflammation 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, jogging on unforgiving or irregular terrain, improper footwear, and having flat feet or excessively rigid arches.

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

Treatment: Treatment focuses on easing 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 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 increase with activity and improve with rest. Discomfort can occur 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 correct alignment and muscle balance. Your Pevely, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to support the kneecap and reduce pain. This method helps managing 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, sudden increases in training intensity, calf muscle tightness, 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. You may notice discomfort that intensifies during physical activity.

Treatment: A regimen of rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory drugs, targeted stretching and strengthening routines, and professional physical therapy. Your Pevely, 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 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, improper footwear, having high or flat arches, or tight calf muscles, or sudden increases in training intensity.

Symptoms: Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity, soreness, 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 Pevely, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and foot care techniques. This method aids in alleviating discomfort 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, jogging on unforgiving or irregular terrain, improper footwear, inadequate rest periods, 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 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, focusing on physical and nutritional health.

Muscle Pull

Description: A muscle pull, also known 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: 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. You may also experience 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 reduce muscle tension and promote healing may also be recommended. This approach helps in restoring function 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, irregular surfaces that lead to unexpected ankle turns, 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 Pevely, MO physical therapy with strengthening exercises for the muscles around the ankle, balance and proprioception exercises, and manual therapy techniques. This approach helps 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: 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 on the outside of the knee that may extend up the thigh, a snapping feeling along the outer knee, pain that intensifies 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 stretching exercises to improve flexibility, strengthening exercises for the hip and gluteal muscles, gait analysis and correction, foam rolling, and massage techniques. These methods assist in relieving pain and promoting healing.

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 require repetitive rubbing of the skin. These painful bubbles can develop on any part of the body, usually 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, jogging on irregular or harsh terrain, and wearing new or stiff shoes without proper break-in. Poorly fitted footwear and lack of moisture management can result in blisters, especially during prolonged runs or intense physical activities. Additional factors include hot weather, inadequate socks, and extended periods of exercise.

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 wearing shoes.

Treatment: Protection using blister pads or bandages, careful drainage if necessary, keeping the affected area clean and dry, proper footwear and foot care techniques, and for more serious cases, Pevely, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps prevent further friction and promote healing.

Running Injury Treatment With St. Louis Physical Therapists

Physical therapists are vital in the recovery and rehabilitation of injuries from running in Pevely, MO. Our expertise and personalized care help Pevely, MO runners return to their activities safely and efficiently. Here’s how our Pevely, MO physical therapists can help you:

Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis: We perform in-depth assessments to identify the root 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 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 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 provide targeted exercise programs to address muscle imbalances, improve flexibility, and enhance overall strength and stability.
Education on Injury Prevention: Our physical therapists teach clients on proper techniques, footwear choices, and training regimens to reduce the risk of injuries. This includes gait analysis and correction to ensure ideal 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 leveraging our knowledge and personalized approach, the Pevely, MO physical therapists at Axes Physical Therapy can successfully handle running injuries, aiding in your return to your favorite activities with confidence and lowered chance of re-injury.

Other services we offer in Pevely, MO include:

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 progressing to light jogging. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your runs as your body adapts.
Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises: Maintain exercises prescribed by your physical therapist to sustain strength and flexibility. Concentrate on 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: Be aware of 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 assist on optimal running mechanics.
Use Appropriate Footwear: Invest in high-quality 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 following these steps and collaborating with your physical therapist in Pevely, 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 Pevely, MO

Running injuries can be a serious setback, but with the right approach to treatment and recovery, you can return to the activities you love. Addressing injuries promptly, engaging 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 Pevely, MO overcome their running injuries and reach your fitness objectives.

If a running injury is keeping you from your favorite activities in Pevely, MO, act now. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and initiate a full recovery. Our experienced Pevely, MO physical therapists are prepared to support you get back to the activities you love with confidence and strength.