So although I have not endured any new injuries (knock on wood) this year, my chronic injury know as post-traumatic arthritis ( a form of arthritis that develops after an injury to the knee), is kicking my a@@! Like really, getting out 1 mile is torturous. I made it up to 2 miles yesterday though…….#silverlining.
In talking to my sport’s Dr., to move away from and to not get too dependent on the cortizone shots (oooh do those feel good!!), he has recommended a Sports/Running specific PT to work on strengthening of the knee. I am all for it but really wondering what good it will do. I kind of get it…. strengthening the muscles that support the joint and that will help with pain. The part I don’t get, if arthritis is the inflammation and stiffness of the joints, how will strengthen of the muscles help with the joints? I am waiting for him to send me some referrals and hope to get some sessions scheduled soon.
In the mean-time….I am struggling emotionally not being able to run as I want to and I think totally speaks to my blah feeling about running right now. I am glad I have other activities (weight training program and swimming) to keep me focused and to get my ‘me time’ in, but nothing is like lacing up those sneaks and hitting the pavement.
Here are some thoughts on what I would tell my non-injured self…..
Dear non-injured running self,
Enjoy, the 5 am alarm….ok maybe you can enjoy waking up a bit later now-lol!
Enjoy running in dawn’s darkness;
Enjoy watching the sun rise;
Enjoy choosing what to wear…yes you will get hot while you are out there!;
Enjoy the feel of the pavement, the cold air on your face, the warm breeze in the air;
Enjoy the length of your stride, the ease of the movement, the flow of your run;
Enjoy the long runs of solidity the time to think, process and be you;
Enjoy the change of scenery, the new trails, that long a@@ hill you don’t want to run;
Enjoy the exhilaration you feel on the last .25 miles of your run;
Enjoy the happiness that running gives you;
Enjoy the calm that come over you after a run;
Enjoy the horn blows, the whistles, the hoots out the window and the high school boys who try to hit on you as you pass the school bus stop;
Enjoy feeling no pain, no swelling, no soreness and stiffness;
Dear non-injured self……
I envy you, I miss you, I hope to be you again soon.
Have you ever been injured? How did you deal with it?
Joining the Running Coach Quad…..Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the 1st time this week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup!
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Hey lady, I am praying for you to be all better ASAP.
I get sidelined with plantar fascitis every now and then. Sometimes, when a flare up feels like it’s lasting too long, I run through the pain but I know I shouldn’t.
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Thanks! I know I will have to be patient but thay is so hard for me.
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I (literally) feel your pain. Even though my cracked patella has healed, I still deal with arthritis in both knees.
Thanks for linking up at the Running Coaches’ Corner!
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Oh wow. How do you deal with it? Any recommendations?
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Sorry to hear about your knee. Hoping the exercises will help you. Have a great weekend!
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Thanks!
I am optimistic 😉
You too!
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I feel you. I got a cortisone shot in my heel this week for that stubborn PF. I’m hoping for relief for my race on Sunday.
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oooh Cortizone…how I miss you…..
In hindsight I clearly used it too much last year. I didn’t feel this level of pain last year and it was totally because of the cortizone.
I am really fighting the urge to just go get a shot!!
I hope it helps you.
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Unfortunately I spent most of last year in some injured state or another so I totally feel your pain. Really hoping PT brings you the relief you need. Hang in there!!
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thanks Michelle!!
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Thank you for joining us again! I hear you on so many points here. I’ve now not run (not on the Alter G) for nearly 5 months. And I was already someone who thought like this (greatful for every run). I can’t wait to taste the freedom of running again!
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Have you tried adding fish oil, MSM, or turmeric? All good for arthritis and inflammation. I have a similar issue I’m working through. Some days are better than others. Might be worth checking into. Thanks for linking up!
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Thanks for those suggestions.
i have some Turmeric sitting in my pantry too….I initially got it from a co-worker who said it was good for coughs..who knew it could be so useful….well we all know now but I didn’t 2 years ago.
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Ouch! That’s terrible. I know what it’s like to be itching to hit that pavement to your full capacity and you can’t. Maybe they’ll find something that will work for you. Good luck.
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Thanks!
Fingers crossed 😉
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I hurt myself a couple years ago (strained Achilles) and couldn’t run for several months. I was a hot mess. I am so sorry you are struggling and will keep you in my prayers hon! xoxoxo
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Thanks! I really appreciate that!!!
I am optimistic….;)
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Best way to be!!!
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Bummer about the knee, but the strengthening will definitely help. The inflammation (most likely) occurs in the joint not because of the “movement” of the running motion but because of the wear and tear placed on the joints by running. By strengthening the muscles, not only around the knee but I’m going to assume they’ll be working on your entire lower half, you’re building the strength to allow the muscles to absorb the shock/force/trauma of running instead of the the joints. That results it less inflammation/stiffness in the joint for you, and hopefully running pain free soon.
Hope that makes sense!
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THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! That totally makes sense…I really appreciate the explanation!
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That’s the worst! I’m so sorry you are dealing with this. I’ve been there and that is why I try to really appreciate and embrace all my runs. I try not to take it for granted.
PT has really helped me in the past.
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thank you!!
I am glad to know PT has helped you! I got my list today…will make call today and tomorrow with hopes of an appointment next week.
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I’ve always heard that exercise, in general, is helpful for arthritis — that you’re more likely to stiffen up & be in pain if you’re not active. But what do I know? I hope some PT can give you some relief.
I’ve been lucky that none of my injuries over the years have been major, although you really have to love something to push through the pain — which you know all too well.
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I am trying to stay optimistic on the PT front. We will see. I got my list today, so I will be making calls today and tomorrow with hopes of starting next week.
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So true! It’s easy to complain about having bad runs, but at least we can get out and run. I think the challenge is realizing this when we are not injured, rather than when we are. I hope the strengthening exercises help or the doctor can provide you some good referrals!
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Thank you so much!!!
I am optimistic 😉
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