Running injury update
So, after about 6 weeks of rest and physical therapy, my IT band was no longer hurting. My physical therapist suggested I go for a test run: walk 5 minutes, easy run for 5 minutes, repeat. On my very first running step I felt pain. It wasn’t in my IT band, but more in the area of my hamstring, close to the knee. This was the pain I felt months ago, prior to the IT band issues that took me to the PT’s office. Discouraging.
I went back to my primary care doctor who recommended an orthopedic. I took the ortho’s first available appointment, 2 weeks out. I waited a week then tried another test run – couldn’t believe it, no pain at all! Very encouraged, I tried running again the next day. I had some pain that day, but not too bad. I delayed my ortho appointment a week, and started to do short runs every other day. Pretty consistently I had pain behind my knee, each run hurt a bit more than the last. Finally it was hurting too much to continue to run. I decided that running wasn’t the best idea, stopped running, and waited for my ortho appointment.
The orthopedic sent me for an MRI and last Friday I went back to the orthopedic for the results. I was surprised and disappointed by the news. No soft tissues issues, but I have a mild stress fracture. The doctor suggested I stay off my leg – no running, and minimize walking, though no crutches are needed. When I asked “for how long?” the doctor said it was hard to tell. Basically he said until it’s better. Not exactly sure how I’ll know when it’s better. It doesn’t hurt very much when I walk. Going up and down steps does hurt a little, though. I guess my “time off” starts from when I had the MRI instead of when I first stopped running in early September. Just guessing, I’d say I probably won’t be able to run until 2010.
So I obviously need to revamp my exercise program. I started working with a trainer a few weeks ago, attempting to improve various muscle weaknesses and imbalances. Hopefully that will help prevent future injuries. I’ve also been swimming more. Plus, this week I tried water running, which is like running but completely non-impact. It’s a weird thing. It must look idiotic too. Actually I’m not sure my technique is correct. From what I read on the internet, water running should increase heart rate. When I do it, my heart rate feels a bit like I’m walking, even when I increase my pace. Planning to attend a class that my physical therapist’s offers in water running.
Just as I was getting used to the idea of no running for a long while, I got sick. Maybe it’s a cold, not sure yet. (Hopefully it’s not the swine flu.) Anyway, now I don’t feel like doing anything. Ugh!
