Running Injury St. Charles, MO. Running is a favored and gratifying activity, but improving fitness and aiming for that “runner’s high” comes with the possibility of injury. Whether you’re an experienced marathoner, a occasional jogger, or trying to lose weight, running injuries can hinder your routine and obstruct your progress. Getting the effective treatment for these running injuries in St. Charles, MO is critical for a speedy recovery and averting long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our St. Charles, MO physical therapists focus in treating running injuries with personalized care and evidence-backed methods. Our experienced physical therapists are focused on helping you resume the activities you love, ensuring a risk-free and long-term return to running. Reach out to the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment today to get started. Or, you can stop by any one of our locations for a free injury screening.

You can also check out 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 St. Charles, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Knowing frequent running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for successful treatment and prevention. Some of the most common running injuries in St. Charles, MO are:

Shin Splints

Description: Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are defined by 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 sudden boosts in workout intensity, jogging on unforgiving or irregular terrain, improper footwear, and possessing flat feet or overly stiff arches.

Symptoms: Tenderness, discomfort, or pain along the inner side of the tibia, slight swelling in the lower leg, and discomfort that improves with rest but can return when you resume activity.

Treatment: Treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation and stopping 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 stress 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, especially evident when bending the knee, climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for extended periods. The pain may intensify with activity and lessen 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 St. Charles, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to brace the kneecap and reduce 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, wearing the wrong shoes, and running on uneven surfaces.

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 worsens with activity.

Treatment: A regimen of rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory drugs, targeted stretching and strengthening routines, and professional physical therapy. Your St. Charles, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to enhance tendon strength. This method assists in promoting healing and preventing recurrence.

Plantar Fasciitis

Description: Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that spans the bottom of the foot.

Causes: Overuse from activities that involve repetitive stress on the feet, improper footwear, having high or flat arches, or 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. Discomfort can increase after prolonged standing or walking.

Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Your St. Charles, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and methods to care for your feet. This method aids in alleviating discomfort and facilitating recovery.

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: Slowly developing pain that worsens with weight-bearing activity, swelling and tenderness at the fracture site, 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. A professional therapist will guide you through recovery, focusing on both physical 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, 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. You may also experience 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 alleviate muscle tightness and promote healing may also be recommended. This approach helps 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, 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, 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 St. Charles, MO physical therapy with strengthening exercises for the muscles around the ankle, balance and proprioception exercises, and manual therapy techniques. This method aids 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 shoes that are either worn-out or not suitable.

Symptoms: Pain extending from the outer knee to the thigh, a snapping sensation along the outer knee, pain that intensifies with activity and improves 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 alleviating discomfort 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 involve repetitive rubbing of the skin. These uncomfortable bubbles can develop 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 physical activities. Additional factors include high temperatures, inadequate socks, and extended periods of exercise.

Symptoms: Pain and tenderness at the site of the blister, a raised bubble filled with clear fluid or, if serious, blood, inflammation around the blister, and difficulty using the affected area due to pain. You may also experience irritation when putting on footwear.

Treatment: Covering the blister with pads or bandages, draining the blister carefully if needed, keeping the affected area clean and dry, wearing appropriate shoes and foot care techniques, and for more serious cases, St. Charles, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps prevent further rubbing and promote healing.

How St. Charles, MO Physical Therapists Can Help in Your Running Injury Treatment

Therapists play a crucial role in the recovery and restoration of injuries from running in St. Charles, MO. Our knowledge and personalized care help St. Charles, MO runners return to their activities safely and efficiently. Here’s how our St. Charles, 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 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 crucial components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists offer targeted exercise programs to correct muscle weaknesses, 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 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 utilizing our expertise and personalized approach, the St. Charles, 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 St. Charles, MO include:

• Herniated Disc Treatment
• Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
• MCL Tear
• ACL Rehabilitation
• Functional Capacity Evaluation
• Vertigo Treatment
• Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy
• Vestibular Therapy
• Concussion Treatment

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. Slowly 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 preserve strength and flexibility. Focus on 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 readies your muscles for activity and supports recovery.
• Monitor Your Body: Listen 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: Confirm 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 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 adhering to these guidelines and collaborating with your physical therapist in St. Charles, 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 St. Charles, 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. Addressing injuries promptly, participating 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 St. Charles, MO recover from running injuries and reach your fitness objectives.

If a running injury is preventing you from enjoying your favorite activities in St. Charles, MO, act now. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and start your journey toward a full recovery. Our experienced St. Charles, MO physical therapists are ready to assist you return to your favorite activities with confidence and strength.