The Prognosis
I visited the sports medicine doctor on Thursday. They examined my left shin and left heel. Their prognosis?
Because the shin pain is isolated to a single spot on my leg, they think I have a stress fracture, and want me to get an x-ray, and a bone density test if it does not show up on the x-ray. They told me to continue to ice it, gave me a stretch to do, and instructed me to NOT run, but to bike very easily or swim in the meantime. They specifically said NOT to use the elliptical machine, because it it their opinion that the elliptical causes you to move in ways that are unnatural.
They think I have a bit of plantar fasciitis in my left foot, and instructed me to ice it, and use a golf ball to massage the bottom of my foot. My heel hurts the most in the morning, and there are braces you can wear at night that keep your foot pulled upright so the muscle doesn’t relax, but I don’t want to spend the extra money on that right now.
Data shows concern as I ice my foot and heel.
So, I need to get the x-ray, and am going to try to fit it in my schedule for next week (after I make sure my insurance will cover it!). If I really do have a stress fracture, I won’t be able to run for about 6 weeks, so I need to figure out how to get some exercise in. I am looking for a cheap place to swim around my house, and can continue to use the office gym, as well as my own bike.
I will probably continue to write a weekly workout post on Sundays, because I enjoy keeping track of it, but you probably won’t see one tomorrow, because I’ve been fighting a cold this week and have only made it to the gym twice! And you didn’t see one last week because I ate my weight in french fries instead of working out.
So… how do I feel about all of this?
Well, when I was there, at the clinic, I felt pretty out of place. I am overweight now, and don’t really look like an athlete, and there I was, with all of these UIC college athletes, taking time away from their doctor. I felt like I didn’t belong. I almost felt like I didn’t deserve treatment – not from any way the doctors acted, but just from my own guilty feelings.
When I was explaining my running history to the resident doctor, and she asked what kind of training program I was following and if I increased my mileage too quickly, I told her I didn’t feel like I did. I felt comfortable. I felt like I had built the mileage. I felt really good! But when the doctor came in, he implied that my injuries were a cause of “too much too soon” or maybe of getting ahead of myself. Maybe they are… but I don’t feel like they are. I just feel kind of unlucky. And maybe unprepared, which IS my own fault. Instead of being smart and cautious then, I have to be smart and cautious now.
So, I guess I feel hopeful that the next time around things will go smoother. I will be smarter about cross-training, stretching, increasing my mileage, and listening to my body.
But I do feel really sad seeing people running in my neighborhood. And reading Runner’s World. But I am trying not to let it get to me.
Themocracy
I’m glad you got some answers although not definite ones. Hopefully the x-ray will show that it is NOT a stress fracture!
I’m sorry about the negative experience at the sports doctor! You deserve to be able to run just as much as any college athlete, and you definitely deserve to use up the doctor’s time.
I often get into that same thinking about people being in better shape than me. But, someone who weighs less or “looks” like an athlete does not deserve any better than you! You are amazing for getting out there and running and working out and helping yourself be happy and healthy!
You are a beautiful person with amazing photography skills and really interesting things to say that I absolutely love reading.
Ok…I’m done with my pep talk.
I hope you have a great weekend!
Well that’s not the news anyone wants to hear. I’m sorry you’re going through this! Hang in there and listen to the docs, I’m sure you’ll be back in no time.
Urgh, that is disappointing news, to be sure. At least you’re not in the dark anymore though, I suppose. I really admire your mature attitude about all this–and that you’re being safe and not going out to run more miles on an injury. Keep your chin up, lady!
(And can’t wait to see you this week!)
I was afraid this might be the case. It sucks to be injured. It plays a game on your head that a non-runner cannot understand. Once I had to have some foot surgery and the thing that got me through it (the recovery) was reading a book about another runner who was sight impaired (Marla Runyon, “No Finish Line”) and I realized that at least after a certain amount of time I’d be back to normal. Then, I spent my time planning my “comeback run” and we went to Tracktown USA, Eugene, Oregon for my first post surgery run (quite a distance, 2 days driving, from where I live). Planning my “comeback” really got me through it.
The thing is that you need to honor the total recovery time because if you don’t it could drag on even longer. The lesson I learned through my repeated injuries was the sooner I addressed it, the sooner I was recovered. . The other thing I learned through all my injuries was that just because something worked out well for another person doesn’t mean it will work out the same for me. Their experience is not my experience. So, do what you need to do in order to get through the recovery and you’ll be all the wiser planning for your future marathon.
PS – At this point I would make sure you are wearing the right type of shoe too. A well cushioned shoe will send less shock up to the leg to absorb.
Hey, just think of it this way, when you come back (and you will come back), you’ll be even better than you were before because you’ll be healed. BioniKim!
Seriously though, I do hope you get better and quick, but not too quick. Don’t rush it. Your long-term health is much more important than the short term.
Hi Kim. I just found your blog. I, too, have plantar fascitis. I freeze a water bottle and roll my feet on that and it really helps. Also, try stretching your foot first thing in the morning, I use my yoga strap. I just put it around the ball of my foot and stretch out my arch – ouch but it will make getting out of bed MUCH easier! Good luck!
🙁 Oh man that sucks!
You are a serious athlete, don’t ever try to tell yourself you’re not. Don’t let body issues cloud your perspective on that. Running is a very high impact sport, don’t blame yourself for getting injured either. Stay active, stay positive and you’ll be back to running in no time, and better yet, less painful, more enjoyable running. Now that’s something to look forward to!
Lol, Love Data’s face. I used to get the same looks from my kitties whenever I would take a bath. Except for Ecko, she would try to sit on my stomach while I was in the bath…the little weirdo.
Ahh not so good news! I hope that it’s not a stress fracture, but if it is, remember to take the time to let it heal properly. Easier said than done, I’m sure. You were an athlete before this injury and you’ll be one during and after it!
Oh dear, I am SO sorry. I’ve got my fingers crossed that nothing is severely wrong and that you’ll be up and running in no time. I’m glad you learned your lesson sooner than later, though, and I know you’ll be wiser and more experience in your workouts in the future, which I hope will be VERY soon. Best wishes to you!
Oh sweetie! (((((( HUGS ))))))
I hope you get better soon.
Data is a good nurse! 😉 Ha ha.
For what it’s worth, every time I see you I think you look great! You will be back in your routine before you know it. But I understand…even when I am just sick for a weekend, I am frustrated with what it does to my exercise regiment.
This is kind of stretch, but is it possible that the changes to a vegan diet could have weakened your bones? NOT trying to imply that you are doing it wrong, but I seem to remember you mentioning that calcium was a concern in the beginning.
Regardless, I hope all the testing is done soon and they can fix you up fast!
Oh, stress fractures….I’ve had 3, so I can relate. NO FUN! But the good news is, you can still do other things – I walked, swam, and biked when I had mine. I hope for your sake that’s not what it is! But if it is, just know that at least your body WILL fully heal from this and it’s not anything permanent or chronic…
Don’t beat yourself up too much – injuries happen all.the.time with running. Too often! Especially with females, unfortunately. The good thing is that usually we can learn from our injuries. Like, what kind of shoes we need, that we need to slowly build up mileage, and most of all pay attention if our bodies are particularly achy or in pain.
Hey, look at it this way – you should be ready to run just as fall weather is here! I hope you feel better….take care of yourself! 🙂
ouch, stress fracture sounds horrible!
I have suspected I have plantar fascitis for the last few months! It’s like I have this sensitive ball inside my foot in front of my heel, definitely worse in the morning. I have been stretching it out and babying it but haven’t done the icing. I’m going to try a frozen water bottle–I don’t know how you can submerge your foot in water–that gave me the chills just looking at it. Luckily, cute sweet Data was in the picture to distract me! 🙂
First off, you have done very well this year in getting into shape, running, staying active.
Secondly, any stress fracture not properly taken care of can get worse and cause more issues as you get older. I had a friend who never took the time out for his stress fracture. 10 years later, he’s sorry he didn’t when he was younger as he now has issues each and every day that limit his mobility.
As Kagar said, once you’re healed, you’ll be back better and stronger… The Six Million Dollar Kim.
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Sorry to hear that you may have a stress fracture, that’s a huge bummer. I hope your cold is gone and you’re feeling better!
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I also suffer from plantar fasciitis…I agree with the frozen water bottle comment, that helped me a bunch…now that it is healed, I stretch my calves like a crazy person, all day every day I pull my toes towards me to stretch that out….it has really helped this go around…plus new shoes. OFTEN.
Hate the stress fracture news…nothing to do on that but wait it out, and that sucks!
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You wll have to let me know if you check out that gym I told you about. If it is nice, I may go there. How fun would that be to possibly swim together???? Although I am very random in my workout times so I bet we’d go at different times but it is a nice thought anyway.
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Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear this. Take care of yourself and your foot/leg. 🙂
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I hope it isn’t as serious as they think.
I am sure you will be back in no time. Try to stay positive through everything.
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I think you’re experiencing some of the same sadness about not running as I did when I fractured my elbow earlier this year. The thing you have to remind yourself is that you have a long running life ahead of you. And that if you take care of your body now, you’ll be able to run for years to come. But, push it too much and you might further injure yourself and be unable to run the way you once did. Here’s hoping you learn a little more about what ails you after getting an x-ray!