Running Injury Troy, MO. Running is a common and satisfying activity, but getting fit and seeking that “runner’s high” includes 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 slow down your progress. Getting the effective treatment for these running injuries in Troy, MO is critical for a swift recovery and avoiding long-term issues.
At Axes Physical Therapy, our Troy, MO physical therapists focus in treating running injuries with personalized care and scientifically supported techniques. Our knowledgeable physical therapists are dedicated to 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. Alternatively, you can 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 ways to achieve the benefits of running safely.
Common Running Injuries and How Troy, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them
Grasping common running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and prevention. Some of the most common running injuries in Troy, MO are:
Shin Splints
Description: Shin splints, also referred to as medial tibial stress syndrome, are defined by pain along the shinbone (tibia) due to swelling of the hard and soft 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, running on hard or uneven surfaces, improper footwear, and possessing flat feet or overly stiff arches.
Symptoms: Tenderness, 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 aims at reducing 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, 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 exert pressure 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, particularly noticeable 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: 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 Troy, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to support the kneecap and ease pain. This method helps 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: Repetitive stress from overuse during various activities, abruptly ramping up your workout 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 worsens with activity.
Treatment: A regimen of rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory drugs, targeted stretching and strengthening routines, and professional physical therapy. Your Troy, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to enhance tendon strength. 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: Overuse from activities that involve repetitive stress on the feet, wearing the wrong shoes, high arches, flat feet, 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, tenderness, and swelling in the heel. Pain may intensify after prolonged standing or walking.
Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Your Troy, 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: 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 worsens with weight-bearing activity, swelling and tenderness at the fracture site, pain that improves with rest but returns with 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, focusing on physical and nutritional health.
Muscle Pull
Description: A muscle pull, also known as a muscle strain, happens when muscle fibers are strained 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. 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 reduce muscle tension and promote healing may also be recommended. This method assists in facilitating recovery 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: 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 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 Troy, 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 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: 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 radiating from the outer knee to the thigh, a snapping feeling on the outside of the knee, pain that worsens 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 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 alleviating discomfort 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 involve repetitive rubbing of the skin. These annoying bubbles can develop on any part of the body, commonly on the feet.
Causes: Friction from shoes or socks that do not fit properly, moisture from sweat that softens the skin and increases friction, 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 cause blisters, especially during extended runs or intense physical activities. Additional factors include hot weather, inadequate socks, and prolonged activity.
Symptoms: Pain and tenderness at the site of the blister, a raised bubble filled with clear fluid or, if serious, blood, redness and swelling around the blister, and trouble with the affected area due to pain. You may also feel discomfort 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, Troy, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps prevent further friction and promote healing.
How Troy, MO Physical Therapists Can Help in Your Running Injury Treatment
Therapists are vital in the recovery and rehabilitation of injuries from running in Troy, MO. Our expertise and individualized treatment help Troy, MO runners return to their activities securely and efficiently. Here’s how our Troy, 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 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 essential components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists design 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 optimal 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 expertise and personalized approach, the Troy, 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 Troy, MO include:
- TMJ Treatment
- Herniated Disc Treatment
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
- MCL Tear
- ACL Rehabilitation
- Functional Capacity Evaluation
- Vertigo Treatment
- Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy
- 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 avoid further injury. Here are key steps to follow:
- Gradual Return: Start with low-impact activities like walking or swimming before moving on to light jogging. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your runs as your body adapts.
- Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises: Follow exercises prescribed by your physical therapist to preserve strength and flexibility. Target the muscles most affected by your injury to avoid re-injury.
- Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Don’t forget to add a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterward. This readies your muscles for activity and facilitates 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: 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 good-quality running shoes that provide ample 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 Troy, 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 Troy, MO
Injuries from running 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 Troy, MO overcome their running injuries and reach your fitness objectives.
If a running injury is keeping you from your favorite activities in Troy, MO, delay no more. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and start your journey toward a full recovery. Our experienced Troy, MO physical therapists are ready to assist you get back to the activities you love with confidence and strength.