Running Injury Washington, MO. Running is a popular and rewarding activity, but achieving fitness and seeking that “runner’s high” carries the risk of injury. Whether you’re an veteran marathoner, a casual jogger, or aiming to shed pounds, running injuries can derail your routine and impede your progress. Getting the effective treatment for these running injuries in Washington, MO is essential for a quick recovery and stopping long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Washington, MO physical therapists are experts in treating running injuries with customized treatments and scientifically supported techniques. Our experienced physical therapists are committed to helping you resume the activities you love, ensuring a risk-free and lasting return to running. Contact 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 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 Washington, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Grasping typical running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for proper handling and prevention. In Washington, 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 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 having flat feet or excessively rigid arches.

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

Treatment: Treatment is centered on reducing pain and inflammation and stopping 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: Weak or imbalanced thigh muscles, 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, particularly noticeable when bending the knee, climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for extended periods. The pain may intensify with activity and improve 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 Washington, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to support the kneecap and reduce 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, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity, swelling, and limited range of motion in the ankle. You may notice discomfort that worsens with activity.

Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching and strengthening exercises, and physical therapy. Your Washington, MO physical therapist may also recommend eccentric loading exercises to strengthen the tendon. This approach helps in promoting healing and preventing recurrence.

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: Repetitive stress from overuse in various activities, wearing the wrong shoes, 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, 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 Washington, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and methods to care for your feet. This method aids in reducing pain 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: Slowly developing pain that worsens with weight-bearing activity, swelling and tenderness at the fracture location, 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 adequate intake 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 overstretched or torn.

Causes: Quick changes in speed 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: 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 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: 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: Applying rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E), and Washington, 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 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 extending from the outer knee to the thigh, a clicking feeling 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 stretching exercises to improve flexibility, strengthening exercises for the hip and gluteal muscles, gait analysis and correction, foam rolling, and massage techniques. These methods assist in relieving pain and enhancing recovery.

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 painful bubbles can form on any part of the body, most often on the feet.

Causes: Friction from shoes or socks that are too tight or loose, 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 not keeping feet dry can lead to blisters, especially during extended runs or intense training sessions. Additional factors include high temperatures, inadequate socks, and prolonged activity.

Symptoms: Pain and tenderness at the site of the blister, a raised bubble filled with clear fluid or, in severe cases, blood, redness and swelling around the blister, and difficulty using the affected area due to pain. You may also experience discomfort when putting on footwear.

Treatment: Protection using blister pads or bandages, draining the blister carefully if needed, moisture management, proper footwear and foot care techniques, and in severe cases, Washington, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps prevent further friction and aid in healing.

Running Injury Treatment With St. Louis Physical Therapists

Therapists are vital in the recovery and restoration of injuries from running in Washington, MO. Our expertise and individualized treatment help Washington, MO runners return to their activities safely and effectively. Here’s how our Washington, MO physical therapists can help you:

• Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis: We perform in-depth assessments to identify the underlying cause of the injury, providing 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 often include 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 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: Targeted exercises are vital components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists offer targeted exercise programs to correct muscle weaknesses, improve flexibility, and enhance 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 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 leveraging our knowledge and personalized approach, the Washington, 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 Washington, 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: Start with low-impact activities 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: Stick to exercises prescribed by your physical therapist to maintain strength and flexibility. Concentrate on the muscles most affected by your injury to prevent recurrence.
• Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Never skip a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterward. This readies your muscles for activity and promotes recovery.
• Monitor Your Body: Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain. If you feel 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 assist on optimal running mechanics.
• Use Appropriate Footwear: Invest in durable 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 Washington, 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 Washington, MO

Injuries from running can be a serious setback, but with the right approach to rehabilitation, 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 Washington, MO recover from running injuries and achieve your fitness goals.

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