4 Running Injuries PT Can Help You Heal From

Running is a great way to improve your health and stay in shape. Unfortunately, there are several types of sports injuries associated with running. The good news? There are just as many ways to heal from running injuries, as well as prevent them from occurring.

Fusion Performance has years of experience treating athletes with various running injuries. We can help you if you're struggling to make a full recovery! Give us a call to set up an appointment, and in the meantime, keep reading to learn more about common running injuries and the best ways to treat them.

Utilizing proper running mechanics

A recent study published in the National Institutes of Health analyzed the effects of cadence on a runner's likelihood of sustaining an injury. Forty-five healthy runners were studied to determine how differences in rhythm affected loading on the hip and knee joints.

Results concluded that a quicker cadence “generally leads a runner to hit midfoot compared to runners with longer strides,” which can cause pain or injury. To improve your rhythm, try making your strides longer! This will reduce loading on the hips and knees, preventing damage.

In another study published in the National Institutes of Health, several running mechanics were analyzed through video assessments, including the base of support. This is an important mechanic to evaluate, as foot placement is one of the most integral parts of running.

It was noted that, as a general rule, “the left and right feet should not overlap in their ground contact location.” There should always be space between foot placement, as a narrow base of support has been known to cause painful conditions, such as tibial stress fractures and iliotibial band syndrome.

1. Achilles Tendonitis

This is an injury that occurs in the heel and often results in pain and swelling. Running in old or poor-quality shoes can cause this condition to happen.

Your therapist may suggest methods such as icing, elevating the foot to reduce swelling, and wearing shoe inserts to improve Achilles tendonitis. It's also important to remember that strong calves will help to prevent relapses.

2. Patellofemoral Syndrome

Officially nicknamed “Runner's Knee,” this condition generally refers to the breakdown of cartilage under the kneecap.

According to Runner's World, approximately 40 percent of injuries sustained by runners are in the knee. While this condition will often improve on its own, sometimes physical therapy is needed to improve it and eliminate discomfort.

3. Plantar Fasciitis

This is one among the many sports ailments that can affect not only runners, but nearly anyone who walks a lot of stands on their feet for long periods of time.

You may experience discomfort across the arch or heal as a result of this injury. Rest and a better pair of shoes are frequently effective treatments for this problem. Shoe inserts may also be beneficial.

Many sorts of running injuries can be avoided with the use of good shoes, excellent running technique, and strength training. If you've had an injury, you might want to consider adding physical therapy to your regimen.

According to a Wellness article in U.S. News, physical therapy may be a better option for treating running-related injuries than seeing a chiropractor or opting for surgery.

4. Shin Splints

Nearly every runner has experienced inflammation and pain in the tendons and muscles of the lower leg.

Web MD states that shin splints are more likely to occur after you change your workout routine. Reducing your running, using over-the-counter pain relievers, and icing are all recommended treatments for shin splints.

Physical therapy for running injuries

Physical therapy has two main goals: healing and prevention. In addition to treating the injury, our physical therapists will work with you to strengthen the damaged area so that you don't get hurt again.

In order to reduce your risk of developing another injury, our physical therapists will also teach you how to warm up and cool down for jogging.

Our physical therapists will devise a treatment plan for you that is tailored to your specific requirements. Physical therapy is a comprehensive and natural approach to rehabilitation that includes services like:

• Manual therapy. This may include massage or joint mobilizations.
• Therapeutic exercises. This may include any targeted movement to help you find relief, including, but not limited to: area-specific exercises, balance and coordination exercises, muscle performance exercises, range of motion exercises, posture exercises, and relaxation exercises.
• Modalities. This may include specialized treatments that your physical therapist has been certified to perform, such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

Physical therapy has been proven to be successful in treating both acute and chronic injuries, such as ligament sprains, muscle strains, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, tendinitis, and more.

Your physical therapist will teach you about what your body is experiencing and the recovery process it will go through. You and your physical therapist will work together to help you reach your physical goals, allowing you to be engaged and active in your rehabilitation.

Physical therapy offers so much more than current symptom relief - it offers running injury prevention and natural performance enhancement.

If you are an athlete suffering from a running-related injury, don't waste any more time on the sidelines. Take your recovery to the next level with our physical therapy team. Confirm your appointment with one of our experienced physical therapists today and get started on the right track toward returning to running!

We can help you continue to do the things you love most

Are you living with a running injury? We can help! Contact Fusion Performance with one of our physical therapists today to get started on the first steps of your treatment plan - and learn more about how to avoid injuries in the future.