The verdict is in on the cause of my knee shenanigans yesterday, and I'm pleased to report that I don't have to hang up the Activelites just yet.Diagnosis: the common malady with the oh-so-descriptive name..."runner's knee". The result of a combination of things (for me, overuse and a VERY tight iliotibial band), runner's knee results in pain around the kneecap. I'm predisposed to this because my kneecaps naturally turn outward, but this is the first time it's ever caused me to not be able to run.
Thankfully, it's fairly easy to treat. Physical therapy will be the main means by which I get better. I need to get athletic insoles, and make sure to ice more often and take anti-inflammatories after running. But most importantly, AND most difficult for me, I have to rest. Did it help that I went right from the doctor's office to work race registration for the Clearwater Turkey Trot? No, because it just made me more antsy to try and get back out there :(
So the goal here is to get myself to a point where I don't have any pain when using my knee. That probably won't be by Thursday, but I'm going to put in the work it takes to get better and keep running. Then, I'll run less. That makes NO sense. But I know what's wrong now, and I know how to fix it.
Mystery solved, and rehab is officially on!
Wayne says you need to stop wearing running shoes (just by looking at the xray... he didn't know it was you).
ReplyDeleteHe's teaching me how to barefoot run right now. It feels so much better, honestly. I can actually run without hating myself and him.
Oh, that x-ray's not mine specifically.
ReplyDeleteThough it looks very similar to mine. I like running barefoot, but I have the minimalist shoes instead.
Also, look at you being athletic! I'm with the Clearwater crew this week for Turkey Trot, I'll have to let them know :) Chrystal says hi!