Running Injury Treatment Soulard, MO

Running Injury Soulard, MO. Running is a popular and satisfying activity, but getting fit and seeking that “runner’s high” includes the danger of injury. Whether you’re an seasoned marathoner, a occasional jogger, or focused on slimming down, running injuries can interrupt your routine and impede your progress. Getting the appropriate treatment for these running injuries in Soulard, MO is critical for a swift recovery and avoiding long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Soulard, MO physical therapists are experts in treating running injuries with personalized care and evidence-backed methods. Our skilled physical therapists are focused on helping you get back to the activities you love, ensuring a safe 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 stop by 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 how to get the benefits of running safely.

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

Grasping frequent running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for proper handling and prevention. In Soulard, MO, runners often encounter these common injuries:

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 abrupt increases in training intensity, exercising on solid or bumpy grounds, improper footwear, and possessing flat feet or overly stiff arches.

Symptoms: Sensitivity, aching, 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 focuses on alleviating 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, 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, especially evident 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 Soulard, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to stabilize the kneecap and alleviate pain. This method aids in 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, 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. There may be discomfort that intensifies during physical activity.

Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching and strengthening exercises, and physical therapy. Your Soulard, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to enhance tendon strength. This method assists in promoting healing 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, improper footwear, high arches, flat feet, tight calf muscles, or sudden increases in training 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. 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 Soulard, 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, 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 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: The R.I.C.E method, and physical therapy with strengthening and stretching exercises. Nutritional counseling to ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D may also be recommended. Your physical therapist will guide you through recovery, emphasizing physical and nutritional health.

Muscle Pull

Description: A muscle pull, sometimes called a muscle strain, happens 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 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 avoiding recurrence.

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: Sudden twisting or rolling 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 Soulard, 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 avoiding recurrence.

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, running on uneven or sloped surfaces, 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 clicking sensation along the outer knee, pain that worsens with activity and improves 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 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. 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, inadequate socks, and extended periods of exercise.

Symptoms: Pain and tenderness at the site of the blister, a fluid-filled bubble or, if serious, blood, redness and swelling around the blister, and trouble with 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, wearing appropriate shoes and foot care techniques, and for more serious cases, Soulard, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps prevent further rubbing and aid in healing.

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

Therapists play a crucial role in the healing and restoration of running injuries in Soulard, MO. Our knowledge and personalized care help Soulard, MO runners return to their activities securely and efficiently. Here’s how our Soulard, MO physical therapists can help you:

Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis: Our physical therapists conduct comprehensive evaluations to identify the underlying 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 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: Strengthening and stretching exercises are essential components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists design targeted exercise programs to address muscle imbalances, improve flexibility, and boost overall strength and stability.
Education on Injury Prevention: Our physical therapists educate patients on proper techniques, footwear choices, and training regimens to prevent future 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 harnessing our knowledge and personalized approach, the Soulard, 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 Soulard, 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 avoid further injury. Here are key steps to follow:

Gradual Return: Begin with gentle exercises 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: Stick to exercises prescribed by your physical therapist to sustain strength and flexibility. Target the muscles most affected by your injury to prevent recurrence.
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 supports recovery.
Monitor Your Body: Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain. If you experience any symptoms of your previous injury, stop running and consult your physical therapist.
Maintain Good Running Form: Make sure you are running with proper form to reduce stress on your joints and muscles. Your physical therapist can provide guidance on optimal running mechanics.
Use Appropriate Footwear: Invest in reliable running shoes that provide adequate 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 adhering to these guidelines and collaborating with your physical therapist in Soulard, 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 Soulard, MO

Injuries from running can be a significant setback, but with the right approach to treatment and recovery, you can get back 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 Soulard, MO recover from running injuries and reach your fitness objectives.

If a running injury is preventing you from enjoying your favorite activities in Soulard, MO, delay no more. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and begin your path to a full recovery. Our experienced Soulard, MO physical therapists are here to help you get back to the activities you love with confidence and strength.

Soulard, MO