I need to start by saying I really like my doctor (I would say "love" but my doc is a guy and I don't want to raise any eyebrows). I have been going to him for a loooong time; since long before I was a mommy. Possibly even before I was a wife, but I'm a little fuzzy on that. I even followed him from one practice to another (I'm not a stalker, just a person who isn't good with change, but that is a whole other blog post).
Although he is my family doc, I was pretty confident he would have the answers I needed or would send me in the right direction if he didn't. And since he is a runner (actually a triathlete), I knew he wouldn't just tell me to stop running to solve the problem.
Now for the problem. I have tendinitis in my right knee, minor IT band issues in both legs, and swelling in my left knee joint. So in addition to 800mg of ibuprofen twice a day for two weeks, I get to (not have to since I'm trying to be positive here) ice both upper legs and knees every day and stretch, stretch, stretch. And of course I asked that burning question: "Can I run?"
I can run. Short, easy runs. Followed by ice and more stretching.
If the pain isn't remarkably better in two weeks, I go back. Even though my right knee was the one that hurt during my marathon, my doc is actually more concerned about the swollen joint in my left knee. If it still hurts in two weeks, it will be time for an x-ray or MRI to make sure there isn't something more serious going on in there.
So the first 800mgs are down the hatch and the water is in the freezer in Dixie cups (actually leftover 1st birthday cups that I can finally use and get rid of!!). The doc said to freeze water in Dixie cups and then rub the big ice cube directly on my leg and knee. Can't wait!!
Let the healing begin...
awww sorry you've got all that to deal with, I have sure been there and know it's frustrating. Really hard to do, but take it easy and don't over do on the recovery stuff either, I made my ITband worse doing too much of the exercises and stretching.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the icing with Dixie cups, it is so useful and feels so good. I had a ton of good results with a sprained MCL by doing that! Good luck!
ReplyDeletei had a running friend suggest the dixie cup idea to me a couple months back, but never tried it...hope it helps you!
ReplyDeleteheal up fast girl!!! sounds like you know what to do :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you have to deal with all of the pain - but I hope the 800mg works! Light runnning is a good idea, too - because it might just "work" itself out! I hope it feels better in 2 weeks so that you dont have to go back!
ReplyDeleteAnd, dixie cups work!! Have fun :)
Sending good healing thoughts from one injured runner to another...
ReplyDeleteoh, the dreaded iced dixie cups! I hope your pain goes away fast and it is nothing serious. It is never fun to be in the 'injured-runner' list!
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