It's official - got back from a nearly 3-hour long appointment from my foot doctor this morning. We did a series of x-rays, evaluations and tests before he confirmed what I'd suspected all along: that I am suffering from posterior tibial tendinitis.
The good? I can continue to run on it as long as the pain doesn't worsen and I keep icing, stretching and doing some recommended tendon strengthing exercises a few times daily along the way. He also told me to avoid treadmills (no problem) and hills for awhile. I'm still supposed to see a physical therapist in the upcoming weeks.
He also confirmed what I'd long suspected all along too - that one leg was in fact longer than the other. Only thing that threw me off, was that it was my right that turned out to be longer when I thought it was the other way around. Oh and apparently, I'm "severely bow-legged" (insert joke here).
Finally, he fitted me for some custom orthotics which while expensive, should aid in my problematic running gait. When I also told him about my theory that the source of the problem stemmed from me doing my VO2max speed workouts in neutral, lightweight trainers this last marathon cycle, he pretty much agreed with me (but wanted to see those shoes).
All in all, it went better than I could have hoped for. While it was a long appointment, he was very thorough which is something I didn't get from the initial doctor I saw. I'm going to approach running in the next several weeks very cautiously and scrutinize what my ankle tells me. But I can still run, which is the best part.
Add to it all, he turned out to be a just fantastic doctor (who's also a marathoner - a 3:47 PR!) so I'll have someone in my neighborhood for future visits.
19 comments:
WTG on having a running doc!
And, yeah...no more 18 milers on the treadmill!!!
What type of running shoes do you typically wear?
It sounds like you found a really awesome doctor, I'm happy for you. I'm glad the news isn't awful either.
Glad to hear it wasnt serious.
It was good to hear your doc was a runner too. Enjoy your easy runs, ice and elevation!
Glad you got some answers. Now you know how to take care of the injury and know what you are dealing with. Very cool that your doctor runs too.
Way to go for going to the doc. 3 hour appointment? That's serious, but glad you found out what's going on.
So now you know and that's a good thing, here starts the road to recovery and being a stronger smarter runner.
Custom Orthotics are the way to go, I've had mine 18 months and I love them oh and welcome to the odd leg length club!
yay sounds like good news! a go on running and no treadmill :) good job being smart and getting it checked out and listening to your ankle.
what exercises did he recommend? i have had sore ankles a few times (esp when training for SFM) and i think i had a mild case of this... so would like to know what exercises i could incorporate :)
@ aron - the exercises he gave me were specific to the tendon (something like crossing my leg *guy style* and pushing up my ankle against my hand for 10 sec x 10 daily). Also, stretches specific to the tendon as well.
It may be worth investing seeing a foot/sports doctor just to correct all the things you might be doing wrong (what to look for in a shoe, etc) or finding more about your body (one leg being shorter than the other in my case, enter inserts).
Wish I had done this eons ago!
whoa! a doctor that won't lecture about running!! it's the end of the world. hope you don't suffer withdrawal from treadmills and hills, that is such a shame ;). glad it's nothing too bad and especially that you can keep on running!
Welcome to the odd leg length club indeed!! :)
Glad you found out what the problem was and can now strengthen & treat accordingly. Good luck!
thanks for the info!!
Well, overall it was good, especially hearing the magic words of 'you can still run.' :)
I'm glad you found a great doctor...makes a world of difference! Hang in there, do what you are told and you'll be better in no time!
So do Aron and I finally get to meet you in SD? Aren't you pacing your friend on that one?
@ Maritza - I'm pacing my friend in the Houston Marathon on 1/18. I'll be training pretty hard for SD I'd imagine. And yes - let's meet up!
Clearly you doc is a good man. And thorough. :-)
Worth his weight in gold. Or maybe in running shoes.
What is your pacing strategy for the Houston Marathon? I am planning on running an easy (training run) half marathon at 9:10 pace or so, I might even take a camera and take some pics this time.
@ Bert - agreed, he's a good man. Pacing strategy is to pace my friend right around 10 min/mi. To achieve a 4:30, pace = 10:18. This way, we have some wiggle room should we hit a bump in the road. And if he's still feeling at the 20 mile mark, perhaps pick it up a bit for the last 10K. I'll be taking pics too.
Please stop by and say hello at the expo if you can. I will post times on when we're showing the movie leading up to Houston. Both days, around noon. Q + A to follow.
So glad you got a diagnosis and a clear plan of action! With a great doctor like that you'll be better in no time.
And seriously, doctor's orders to avoid treadmills and hills? That's my dream!! :D
A doctor that is a runner and understands that we can't "just stop running" is a dream come true.
Avoiding the t-mill will be easy but the hills will be singing their siren song before you know it.
Maritza sent me your blog and email, I've added you to the San Diego Marathoners email.
One of your legs is longer than the other, wow...one of my feet is bigger than the other.
Glad your injury isn't too serious!
Heh heh. You're faster than your doc. Nice.
Post a Comment