Strange as it sounds I've been avoiding writing in my blog for the last 2.5 weeks since I didn't have anything positive to say. As I had mentioned in my last blog after my long test run, my knee was very painful at the end and I had to walk-run the last 1/2 mile or so home. Since then, I have not been able to run more than 2 miles without the pain returning. I was getting very frustrated!
I had self-diagnosed (that was my first mistake!) myself over a week ago as having an inflammation of the I-T (ilio-tibial) Band in my right leg and went on a crash course of stretching my glutes and hip flexor muscles as well as buying a foam roller to start doing very uncomfortable, but useful myofacial release techniques to lengthen and strengthen critical tendons and muscle fascia. I had no pain while pool running for up to 45 minutes and cycling for up to 1 hour but had not yet tried to run until Sunday, 6/14. I was convinced that I was going to run an easy 5K on my treadmill, get some confidence, and then head out on the road the next day for a real good run. Not so fast... I lasted a frustrating 1.6 miles before the pain was back and I was extremely discouraged.
I broke down on Monday and saw my GP who referred me to an orthopedist in Fairfield named Gregory Geiger. I saw him today and he ruled out ITB, tendon, arthritis, & bone issues which is good. What is bad is that I have to go in for an MRI now because he believes the issue is a tear in my lateral meniscus in the knee which will require arthroscopic surgery to repair if it proves out. BIG TIME BUMMER!
The good news that he gave me is that I can continue cycling and pool running to keep in shape, and a quick scoping may still have me ready to run my Utlra Challenge at the end of July... yea!!!
If you ever need a great orthopedist, Dr Geiger is one to consider. I hate Doctors of any type who will not spend the time to speak with you, explain what he/she finds, listen to you, and show concern. He did all of those things with me and even asked if I had any other general questions not related to my knee to run past him while I was there. That's the kind of doctor I choose to go to, that's kind of doctor whose opinion I respect and trust.
So for now I'll keep my fingers crossed, wait for my MRI date, and hope that they don't find anything worse than I already expect.
Live strong my friends!
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