Running Injury Wentzville, MO. Running is a well-loved and gratifying activity, but improving fitness and pursuing that “runner’s high” carries the possibility of injury. Whether you’re an experienced marathoner, a weekend jogger, or working on weight loss, running injuries can interrupt your routine and impede your progress. Getting the appropriate treatment for these running injuries in Wentzville, MO is essential for a prompt recovery and avoiding long-term issues.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our Wentzville, MO physical therapists focus in treating running injuries with customized treatments and proven approaches. Our knowledgeable physical therapists are committed to helping you get back to the activities you love, guaranteeing a risk-free and lasting return to running. Call 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 check out 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 Wentzville, MO Physical Therapists Treat Them

Knowing typical running injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for proper handling and prevention. In Wentzville, MO, runners often encounter these common injuries:

Shin Splints

Description: Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are characterized 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 sudden boosts in workout intensity, jogging on unforgiving or irregular terrain, improper footwear, and having low arches or overly firm foot structure.

Symptoms: Sensitivity, soreness, or pain along the inner side of the tibia, mild swelling in the lower leg, and discomfort that subsides with rest but can return with physical activity.

Treatment: Treatment focuses on alleviating pain and inflammation and preventing 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 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, most apparent when bending the knee, climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for extended periods. The pain may intensify with activity and ease with rest. You might experience discomfort 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 enhance alignment and muscle balance. Your Wentzville, MO physical therapist may also recommend Kinesio Taping® to stabilize the kneecap and reduce pain. This method contributes to 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, abruptly ramping up your workout intensity, tight calf muscles, 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. 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 Wentzville, 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: Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, particularly noticeable with the first steps after waking or after periods of inactivity, tenderness, and swelling in the heel. Discomfort can increase after prolonged standing or walking.

Treatment: A combination of rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory medications, specific stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Your Wentzville, MO physical therapist may also recommend supportive footwear and methods to care for your feet. This method aids in reducing pain 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 dietary shortages such as low calcium or vitamin D levels.

Symptoms: Gradual 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 occasional visible bruising.

Treatment: Applying rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E), 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, occurs when muscle fibers are strained 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. There may also be a noticeable decrease in strength and mobility.

Treatment: The R.I.C.E method, and physical therapy with careful 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, typically 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 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. You might also experience instability in the ankle joint.

Treatment: Applying rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E), and Wentzville, 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 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, jogging on irregular or inclined terrain, weak hip and gluteal muscles, improper running form, and worn-out or inappropriate footwear.

Symptoms: Pain extending from the outer knee to the thigh, a clicking feeling 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 assist in relieving pain 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 painful bubbles can develop on any part of the body, usually on the feet.

Causes: Friction from shoes or socks that are too tight or loose, 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 cause blisters, especially during long 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 raised bubble filled with clear fluid or, if serious, blood, redness and swelling around the blister, and difficulty using the affected area due to pain. You may also feel irritation when putting on footwear.

Treatment: Protection using blister pads or bandages, careful drainage if necessary, moisture management, proper footwear and foot care techniques, and for more serious cases, Wentzville, MO physical therapy with gait analysis and correction. This approach helps prevent further rubbing and promote healing.

How Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, MO. Our expertise and personalized care help Wentzville, MO runners return to their activities securely and effectively. Here’s how our Wentzville, 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, 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: 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 crucial components of rehabilitation. Our physical therapists offer targeted exercise programs to address muscle imbalances, 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 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 effective recovery.

By leveraging our expertise and personalized approach, the Wentzville, MO physical therapists at Axes Physical Therapy can effectively manage running injuries, aiding in your return to your favorite activities with confidence and reduced risk of recurrence.

Other services we offer in Wentzville, 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 necessitates 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 moving on to light jogging. Gradually 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 preserve strength and flexibility. Target the muscles most affected by your injury to prevent recurrence.
• Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Always include a thorough warm-up before running and a cool-down afterward. This prepares your muscles for activity and facilitates recovery.
• Monitor Your Body: Be aware of any signs of discomfort or pain. If you notice 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 high-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. Don’t push yourself too fast too soon.

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

Running injuries can be a significant setback, but with the proper strategy to rehabilitation, you can return 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 Wentzville, MO overcome their running injuries and achieve your fitness goals.

If a running injury is keeping you from your favorite activities in Wentzville, MO, don’t wait. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to book an appointment and initiate a full recovery. Our experienced Wentzville, MO physical therapists are here to help you return to your favorite activities with confidence and strength.