Running Injury Tower Grove, MO. Running is a popular and rewarding activity, but getting in shape and pursuing that “runner’s high” carries the risk of injury. Whether you’re an veteran marathoner, a occasional jogger, or trying to lose weight, running injuries can hinder your routine and obstruct your progress. Getting the proper treatment for these running injuries in Tower Grove, MO is crucial for a speedy recovery and preventing long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Tower Grove, MO physical therapists are experts in treating running injuries with personalized care and proven approaches. Our knowledgeable physical therapists are focused on helping you get back to the activities you love, ensuring a safe 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. 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 Tower Grove, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Knowing common running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is vital for effective management and prevention. In Tower Grove, MO, runners often encounter these common injuries:

Shin Splints

Description: Shin splints, also referred to as medial tibial stress syndrome, are defined 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, jogging on unforgiving or irregular terrain, improper footwear, and having low arches or overly firm foot structure.

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

Treatment: Treatment focuses on easing 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: Weak or imbalanced thigh muscles, improper running form, overuse, and activities that stress 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 worsen with activity and lessen 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 improve alignment and muscle balance. Your Tower Grove, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to brace the kneecap and alleviate pain. This method contributes to 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: Repetitive stress from overuse during various activities, sudden increases in training intensity, tight calf muscles, improper footwear, 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. 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 Tower Grove, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to strengthen the tendon. This approach helps in promoting healing 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 abruptly ramping up your workout intensity.

Symptoms: Intense, piercing pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity, soreness, 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 Tower Grove, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and methods to care for your feet. This approach helps 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: Slowly developing pain that intensifies during weight-bearing activities, swelling and tenderness at the fracture site, pain that eases with rest but recurs during physical activity, and visible bruising in some cases.

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, emphasizing both physical health.

Muscle Pull

Description: A muscle pull, sometimes called 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: 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. There may also be 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 method assists in restoring function and avoiding recurrence.

Ankle Sprain

Description: An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, commonly 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 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 Tower Grove, 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, 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 clicking sensation on the outside of the knee, pain that increases 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 relieving pain and promoting healing.

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 entail repetitive rubbing of the skin. These uncomfortable bubbles can appear on any part of the body, most often 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 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 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 experience irritation when wearing shoes.

Treatment: Covering the blister with pads or bandages, draining the blister carefully if needed, moisture management, wearing appropriate shoes and foot care techniques, and in severe cases, Tower Grove, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps avoid further friction and aid in healing.

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

Therapists play a crucial role in the healing and restoration of injuries from running in Tower Grove, MO. Our knowledge and personalized care help Tower Grove, MO runners return to their activities securely and effectively. Here’s how our Tower Grove, 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: 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 essential components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists provide targeted exercise programs to address muscle imbalances, improve flexibility, and boost overall strength and stability.
• Education on Injury Prevention: Our physical therapists teach clients on proper techniques, footwear choices, and training regimens to prevent future injuries. This includes gait analysis and correction to ensure efficient 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 helps ensure a safe and efficient recovery.

By harnessing our knowledge and personalized approach, the Tower Grove, MO physical therapists at Axes Physical Therapy can effectively manage running injuries, helping you get back to the activities you love with confidence and lowered chance of re-injury.

Other services we offer in Tower Grove, MO include:

• Pain Management Services
• TMJ Treatment
• Herniated Disc Treatment
• Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
• MCL Tear
• ACL Rehabilitation
• Functional Capacity Evaluation
• Vertigo 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 moving on 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. Concentrate 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 prepares your muscles for activity and promotes 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: Verify you are running with proper form to reduce stress on your joints and muscles. Your physical therapist can give tips 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. Don’t push yourself too fast too soon.

By following these steps and working closely with your physical therapist in Tower Grove, 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 Tower Grove, 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 Tower Grove, MO overcome their running injuries and reach your fitness objectives.

If a running injury is holding you back from your favorite activities in Tower Grove, MO, act now. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and begin your path to a full recovery. Our experienced Tower Grove, MO physical therapists are prepared to support you return to your favorite activities with confidence and strength.