Running Injury Scotsdale, MO. Running is a favored and rewarding activity, but achieving fitness and aiming for that “runner’s high” comes with the danger of injury. Whether you’re an skilled marathoner, a occasional jogger, or trying to lose weight, running injuries can derail your routine and obstruct your progress. Getting the effective treatment for these running injuries in Scotsdale, MO is essential for a prompt recovery and preventing long-term issues.
At Axes Physical Therapy, our Scotsdale, MO physical therapists specialize in treating running injuries with personalized care and proven approaches. Our skilled physical therapists are focused on helping you return to the activities you love, ensuring a risk-free and sustainable 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 look into our Beginner Running Program Tips and Beginner’s Guide to Running for how to get the benefits of running safely.
Common Running Injuries and How Scotsdale, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them
Grasping frequent running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is vital for effective management and prevention. Some of the most common running injuries in Scotsdale, MO are:
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, exercising on solid or bumpy grounds, improper footwear, and possessing flat feet or overly stiff arches.
Symptoms: Sensitivity, soreness, or pain along the inner side of the shinbone, slight swelling in the lower leg, and discomfort that subsides with rest but can return when you resume 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 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 exert pressure 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, most apparent when bending the knee, climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for extended periods. The pain may increase 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 Scotsdale, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to brace the kneecap and ease pain. This method contributes to 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: Overuse from activities that involve repetitive stress on the tendon, abruptly ramping up your workout intensity, tight calf muscles, wearing the wrong shoes, and jogging on irregular terrain.
Symptoms: Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon, especially in the morning 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 Scotsdale, 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 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 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. 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 Scotsdale, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and foot care techniques. This method aids 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: Sudden increases in training intensity, running on hard or uneven surfaces, improper footwear, insufficient recovery time, and nutritional deficiencies such as low calcium or vitamin D levels.
Symptoms: Gradual pain that intensifies during weight-bearing activities, swelling and tenderness at the fracture location, pain that improves with rest but returns with activity, and occasional visible bruising.
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 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. You may also experience a noticeable decrease in strength and mobility.
Treatment: The R.I.C.E method, and physical therapy with gradual stretching and strengthening exercises. Manual therapy techniques to reduce muscle tension and promote healing may also be recommended. This method assists 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, typically due to a sudden twist or roll of the ankle.
Causes: Sudden twisting or rolling 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: The R.I.C.E method, and Scotsdale, 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: Repetitive stress from overuse such as running or cycling, running on uneven or sloped surfaces, 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 feeling along the outer knee, pain that increases with activity and lessens 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 help in alleviating discomfort 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 require repetitive rubbing of the skin. These annoying bubbles can form on any part of the body, commonly 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. Shoes that are either too tight or loose and lack of moisture management can result in blisters, especially during extended runs or intense workouts. Additional factors include hot weather, wearing improper 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, inflammation around the blister, and difficulty using the affected area due to pain. You may also feel 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, Scotsdale, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps avoid further friction and aid in healing.
Running Injury Treatment With St. Louis Physical Therapists
Physical therapists play a crucial role in the healing and rehabilitation of injuries from running in Scotsdale, MO. Our knowledge and personalized care help Scotsdale, MO runners return to their activities securely and efficiently. Here’s how our Scotsdale, MO physical therapists can help you:
- Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis: We perform in-depth assessments to identify the underlying cause of the injury, ensuring 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 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 crucial components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists design targeted exercise programs to correct muscle weaknesses, enhance range of motion, and boost 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 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 helps ensure a safe and efficient recovery.
By utilizing our knowledge and personalized approach, the Scotsdale, MO physical therapists at Axes Physical Therapy can successfully handle running injuries, helping you get back to the activities you love with confidence and reduced risk of recurrence.
Other services we offer in Scotsdale, MO include:
- Herniated Disc Treatment
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
- MCL Tear
- ACL Rehabilitation
- Functional Capacity Evaluation
- Vertigo Treatment
- Vestibular Therapy
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 moving on to light jogging. Slowly increase the intensity and duration of your runs as your body adapts.
- Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises: Adhere to exercises prescribed by your physical therapist to enhance strength and flexibility. Focus on the muscles most affected by your injury to stop re-injury.
- Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Make sure to incorporate a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterward. This readies your muscles for activity and promotes 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: Ensure 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 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 following these steps and working closely with your physical therapist in Scotsdale, 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 Scotsdale, MO
Injuries from running can be a major setback, but with the proper strategy to rehabilitation, 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 crucial steps in ensuring a safe and effective recovery. Axes Physical Therapy is committed to providing personalized, evidence-backed care to help individuals in Scotsdale, MO overcome their running injuries and reach your fitness objectives.
If a running injury is preventing you from enjoying your favorite activities in Scotsdale, MO, delay no more. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and start your journey toward a full recovery. Our experienced Scotsdale, MO physical therapists are here to help you return to your favorite activities with confidence and strength.