My doctor's favorite habit seems to be telling me not to run. It's her answer for everything (and by everything, I mean the pain in my shin). After the MRI came back clean, she advised that she could refer me back to PT, but really the best thing was going to be to just stop running.
A few testy phone calls back and forth, and she reluctantly gave me a referral to an orthopedist. She was SUPER uninterested in doing this, but I guess I badgered her assistant enough, that after a FEW WEEKS, she sent it over.
And I haven't done anything with it, because I work and it's our busy season, and it's hard to get out of the office. Also, I don't really want to hear the words "Stop Running" one single more time.
I mean, CIM is kind of soon. I think I for SURE need to run before then.
Anyway, one thing that I've been playing around with, is self-diagnosing (it's probably a bone tumor) and analyzing my form.
It's hard to do this alone (I try, in the gym sometimes, but I feel like I look weird and creepy staring at myself in the mirror).
Lucky for me, during the runDisney meet up in September, we had our own personal photographer, who captured a billion (mostly unflattering) pictures of our 2.5 mile run-walk-run through the happiest place on earth.
Here's what I found.
My left leg - which has some shin pain, off and on, but minimal, really - tends to supinate and land mid-foot...
First of all. WHAT is THAT about?? Why does one leg play nicely and the other not?? Isn't that WEIRD? Or is it totally normal, and I've never ever ever noticed it on anyone else before?
Second, I mean. It cannot be a coincidence that I heel strike on one side, and that's the side with pain, right?
Also, it's entirely possible that I'm overthinking this, but I was contemplating running last weekend on our drive back from the Sequoia's, and thinking, damn. Remember that time when I wasn't running, and I didn't have pain in my right shin? That was kind of cool.
I'm just tired of being concerned about Jerk Shin. It's annoying.
Someday, I'll go check out this orthopedist dude, but probably sometime after December 2nd. I've got some stuff to do that day.
Anyway.
My other runDisney photographer discovery was... apparently, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I've always wondered why #2 is doing stuff like this....
You and #2, holy crap, that is an awesome comparison!
ReplyDeleteI hate your jerk shin. I wish you could beat it in to submission.
Ugh that is not cool! What an interesting comparison between your right and left foot, that's something I've never thought about being different before. Definitely seems like a valid self-diagnosis on pain!
ReplyDeleteI almost felt like I was writing this post along with you. I am suffering from the same thing and it happened to me at the exact same race. I have been to the doctor and x-rays have ruled out a stress fracture but I am still battling this issue and have not ran much! I was also referred to a PT was sent to physical therapy because he did not think an MRI was necessary. I am also a heel striker and may be causing myself the same kind of problem.
ReplyDeleteHa. Your comparison pictures are hilarious.
ReplyDeleteWow. There is definitely no denying that that kid is yours!
ReplyDeleteEveryone has certain symmetry issues, so your leg thing is completely normal.
ReplyDeleteIs one of your legs longer than the other? I seem to heel strike more with my longer leg and *surprise surprise* get aches and injuries more often on that one too.
Wow, I bet you're really on to something with the running form! interesting for sure.
ReplyDeletelol at the last two pictures of you and your daughter. Dorry your shin is still giving you problems. i hate the don't run answer, that is not the answer!
ReplyDeleteLOL, like mother like daughter. No denying she's yours!
ReplyDeleteAhhhh those pictures of you and your daughter are awesome!!! love love love it!!!
ReplyDelete"Stop running" is completely unacceptable. Do you have other options for docs? She needs to go by the wayside. I've had really good luck with my PT but you have to dig hard to find the ones who are all about getting people running and can use newer techniques. Maybe this orthopede can recommend a different PT who can check your gait & work with you on evening things out?
ReplyDeleteI see a guy at one of these up here. Not sure if philosophies are the same in all their shops but maybe? http://www.therapeuticassociates.com/locations/california/
ReplyDeleteI admire your self-diagnosis on pain. Hope you get relieved of pain after visiting an orthopedist.
ReplyDeleteTribulus Terrestris
Don't go to an orthopedic surgeon unless you know one who is a runner. Find someone who works with athletes and knows biomechanics, and running form. A good running store might be able to help you find someone like this. A good physical therapist might be able to help. "Stop running" is the WRONG answer! Don't automatically accept orthotics as a cure either. They might help but first you need to be evaluated by someone who really knows running form and proper mechanics of stride. We have someone wonderful here in Ft Collins who does that and I wish you could come here!
ReplyDeleteShe has such personality ... can I steal #2??
ReplyDelete