Running Injury Treatment Weldon Spring, MO

Running Injury Weldon Spring, MO. Running is a favored and rewarding activity, but achieving fitness and aiming for that “runner’s high” entails the danger of injury. Whether you’re an seasoned marathoner, a casual jogger, or trying to lose weight, running injuries can hinder your routine and slow down your progress. Getting the appropriate treatment for these running injuries in Weldon Spring, MO is crucial for a quick recovery and avoiding long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Weldon Spring, MO physical therapists are experts in treating running injuries with individualized attention and proven approaches. Our knowledgeable physical therapists are committed to helping you resume the activities you love, guaranteeing a secure and long-term return to running. Reach out to the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment today to begin your recovery. Alternatively, 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 Weldon Spring, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Grasping typical running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is vital for proper handling and prevention. Among the prevalent running injuries in Weldon Spring, MO, are:

Shin Splints

Description: Shin splints, also referred to 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: Tenderness, soreness, 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 with physical 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 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 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, particularly noticeable when bending the knee, climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for extended periods. The pain may worsen with activity and ease 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 Weldon Spring, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to stabilize 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: Overuse from activities that involve repetitive stress on the tendon, abruptly ramping up your workout intensity, tight calf muscles, improper footwear, and running on uneven surfaces.

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: A regimen of rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory drugs, targeted stretching and strengthening routines, and professional physical therapy. Your Weldon Spring, 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 spans the bottom of the foot.

Causes: Repetitive stress from overuse in various activities, improper footwear, high arches, flat feet, tight calf muscles, or abruptly ramping up your workout intensity.

Symptoms: Intense, piercing pain in the heel, particularly noticeable with the first steps after waking or after periods of inactivity, soreness, 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 Weldon Spring, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and foot care techniques. This approach helps in alleviating discomfort and promoting healing.

Stress Fractures

Description: Stress fractures are small cracks in a bone resulting from 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: 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 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. A professional therapist will guide you through recovery, emphasizing both physical health.

Muscle Pull

Description: A muscle pull, sometimes called a muscle strain, happens when muscle fibers are overstretched 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: 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 gentle 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 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 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. You might also experience instability in the ankle joint.

Treatment: The R.I.C.E method, and Weldon Spring, 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: 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 radiating from the outer knee to the thigh, a snapping sensation on the outside of the knee, pain that worsens with activity and lessens 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 alleviating discomfort 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 painful bubbles can appear 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 heightens rubbing, 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 prolonged runs or intense physical activities. Additional factors include high temperatures, 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, inflammation around the blister, and trouble with the affected area due to pain. You may also feel discomfort when putting on footwear.

Treatment: Protection using blister pads or bandages, careful drainage if necessary, keeping the affected area clean and dry, proper footwear and foot care techniques, and for more serious cases, Weldon Spring, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps avoid further rubbing and promote healing.

Running Injury Treatment With St. Louis Physical Therapists

Therapists play a crucial role in the healing and rehabilitation of injuries from running in Weldon Spring, MO. Our knowledge and individualized treatment help Weldon Spring, MO runners return to their activities securely and effectively. Here’s how our Weldon Spring, MO physical therapists can help you:

Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis: Our physical therapists conduct comprehensive evaluations 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 correct muscle weaknesses, improve flexibility, and boost overall strength and stability.
Education on Injury Prevention: Our physical therapists inform individuals 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 carefully track your progress, making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This ongoing support helps ensure a safe and efficient recovery.

By harnessing our expertise and personalized approach, the Weldon Spring, 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 Weldon Spring, MO include:

Getting Back to Running After Your Injury

Returning to running after an injury demands 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 progressing to light jogging. Gradually 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. Target the muscles most affected by your injury to avoid re-injury.
Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Never skip a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterward. This helps prepare your muscles for activity and facilitates recovery.
Monitor Your Body: Be aware of 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: Make sure you are running with proper form to reduce stress on your joints and muscles. Your physical therapist can offer advice 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. Refrain from overexerting too quickly.

By adhering to these guidelines and collaborating with your physical therapist in Weldon Spring, 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 Weldon Spring, MO

Running injuries can be a serious 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 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 Weldon Spring, MO recover from running injuries and reach your fitness objectives.

If a running injury is holding you back from your favorite activities in Weldon Spring, MO, delay no more. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and initiate a full recovery. Our experienced Weldon Spring, MO physical therapists are prepared to support you return to your favorite activities with confidence and strength.

Weldon Spring, MO