I was so nervous for my doctor’s appointment.  I felt very prepared (emotionally and intellectually) because I had listed out all my symptoms:

CIMG5994

I also brought the Husband’s anatomy book so I could look at an illustration of my knee if necessary.  The first orthopaedic doctor I went to didn’t even bother to show me a knee model, which is why I brought this.

CIMG5996

Did I mention that I have THE BEST DAD in the entire world?  Seriously, my dad deserves a medal.  I told him on Tuesday how nervous I was about my appointment, and he offered to drive AN HOUR and A HALF to go with me!  It was so great to have emotional support!

CIMG5998

Dad, you rule.

 

I knew that I had picked the right doctor right when we walked in.  There was a large display case of signed sports memorabilia from athletes my doctor had treated in the past.  By the way, I found this doctor by calling the local running speciality shop and getting a recommendation from one of the running coaches.

CIMG5997

The doctor came in, and I handed him my 1/2 page symptom list.  After thoroughly reading it, he did a bunch of manual manipulations and watched me walk up and down the hallway.

 

The diagnosis?

 

I have patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), or simply "runner’s knee."  Here’s an article about PFPS, but my doctor said my primary issue is that my quadriceps are stronger on the outside than they are on the inside, and as a result, my thigh muscles pull my patella bone up and OUT when I bend my knee.  Technically speaking, my vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) muscle is being overpowered by the much larger vastus lateralis muscle.

 

Although he said my prior diagnosis of Chondromalacia was not "wrong," he said Chondromalacia is more of a symptom of PFPS than a disease in itself.  The popping noise my knee makes is simply my patella bone being jacked out of position by my muscles and is not due in itself to a weakening of my cartilage.

 

He did X-Rays to prove that my joint space was normal:

CIMG5999

And then… I asked the MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION: "Do I have to stop running?" And he said that RUNNING WAS FINE!!!!!!!!  He said the pain in my knees is an inflammatory response to my patella being pulled out of place, and although I should not run through serious pain, it is not going to do damage to me if I follow his treatment plan and continue to run safely.

 

Here’s my treatment plan:

 

  • Go to physical therapy to learn how to strength my VMO muscle.
  • Have the physical therapist teach me how to do patellar taping.  He said I was on the right track with my knee sleeves, but patellar taping will be stronger and more effective until my VMO muscle can do the work on its own.
  • Take an anti-inflammatory OTC drugs before and after my runs.
  • Ice my knees after a run to prevent inflammation.
  • Get orthotic arch supports because apparently I pronate a little bit, which is making the situation worse.

 

These are the orthotic arch supports the doctor recommended. They were $30.

CIMG6001

And I start physical therapy on TUESDAY!

 

I am so excited. I literally came home and cried.   It was so wonderful to have a doctor who cares and could lay out an intelligent and thoughtful treatment plan.

 

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT.  It means SO much to me.

{ 114 comments }

 

  • ellie June 11, 2009, 8:40 am

    so happy for you Caitlin! I am literally here with my coat on ready to leave but wanted to see how it went- glad you can run again! 😀

  • tfh June 11, 2009, 8:41 am

    I'm so thrilled for you! And also touched by your dad accompanying you. I think he brought good luck. 🙂

  • Claire June 11, 2009, 8:42 am

    You know, I wish I had played your game of doctor the other day b/c PTFS is what I would have said! I have issues with this as well but haven't taken the initiative to go get anything to stabilized my patella. When I started having problems, I had been doing a Pump class for about 2-3 years…wonder if the exercises we were doing were strengthening the vastus lateralis and not doing anything for the VM? Hmmm….ANYWAY! SO glad that you can still run and have, hopefully, found a solution to your pain.

  • Katherine June 11, 2009, 8:48 am

    I'm so excited that you finally have some real answers and had such a great experience with the doctor. Now you can really begin to heal! 😀

  • haya June 11, 2009, 8:48 am

    that is super awesome news!!! i'm so happy for you.
    you are like the world's most prepared patient. i think if i were a doctor, i would wish everyone could be just like you!

  • Sara June 11, 2009, 8:49 am

    I'm so happy for you! What great news. It's great that you can go back to what you love, and maybe run the miricle miles race you video blogged.

  • bb June 11, 2009, 8:49 am

    Ah, good old runner's knee. I've got one of those. Glad you can hit the road again!

  • Brandi June 11, 2009, 8:50 am

    I'm SO glad it went well!!! And how awesome that your Dad came to be with you 🙂

    Hooray!!!

  • Anna June 11, 2009, 8:52 am

    Caitlin, this is WONDERFUL! I have also struggled with unresponsive doctors in the past, and I know how frustrating it can be. What a relief to finally find someone who actually listened! I'm so pleased that you you'll be able to run again. I bet you feel like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Ahhh.

  • Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now June 11, 2009, 8:52 am

    Well I'm glad you can still run! That's some good news!!!

  • Mica June 11, 2009, 8:53 am

    This is great news!! I'm so happy for you!

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) June 11, 2009, 8:53 am

    Fantastic news! And seriously how great is your dad? That is the sweetest thing I've heard all day. Warms my heart a little!

    Let us know how PT goes.

  • d.a.r. June 11, 2009, 8:53 am

    I am so glad you got this resolved!! I have had over a decade of knee problems and 5 knee surgeries and to be honest, this is similar to how my issues started. I didn't want to say anything before you went to the doc because I loathe when people scare me before I have answers! But, please please please do follow your treatment plan 🙂 Surgery ain't fun to fix all the damage afterwards if you don't. Not that I speak from experience from being stubborn and bullheaded or anything….

    I am SO glad you found a great competent doctor who was willing to listen and that is incredibly awesome that your dad came with you!!

  • Julia June 11, 2009, 8:55 am

    That's so exciting that he told you can run again! And your dad deserves major brownie points for going with you, aren't Dads the best!
    Congrats on the good news!

  • jenngirl June 11, 2009, 8:56 am

    I'm so glad you found a great doctor, had a great dad with you for support, and got a good report on the knee!! I'm so happy for you 🙂

  • Runeatrepeat June 11, 2009, 8:59 am

    Yeah! I'm glad you can keep running because it's so important to you 🙂

  • Christina June 11, 2009, 8:59 am

    SO glad to hear you finally have a diagnosis, and a plan of action!

    I had to delurk on this post, because I have the EXACT SAME KNEE PROBLEM. I've always had bad arthritis (bad genetics), and it finally got to the point where my doctor realized that my knee pain was not only arthritis, but ALSO this syndrome, and recommended physical therapy for me. I did therapy (and taping) for quite a while, and it definitely helped. My therapist also worked with me to try and relax my super-tight muscles, which helped alleviate some of the pain from the pulling.

    I'm not a runner, per se, but I do run sometimes – and I find that I have weeks where I feel no knee pain, and weeks where it's just awful. When I go to start a run and my knees don't ease into things within the first 10 minutes, I just stop, rest for a few days, and then jump back in later. Knowing when to just rest my knees has also been a big help.

  • Annabel June 11, 2009, 9:00 am

    Oh my gosh, I am SO FREAKIN' happy for you!

  • CeciLiA June 11, 2009, 9:01 am

    WOOT!!! I'm doing a happy dance on my bed now – weeeeee!!! I'm soooo happy for you about that news – ahhhh, so thrilled, so thrilled!!! 😀

    Btw, OMGAAAA your dad looks EXACTLY like my molecular biology lecturer – now, that is freaky :O

  • Leah @ Simply Fabulous June 11, 2009, 9:02 am

    Aww you can run?!?! Yippie!!
    I felt your excitement through the screen!!! I'm really happy you had a great doctors appointment. Having your Dad there helped a ton I bet.

  • The Shabby Princess June 11, 2009, 9:03 am

    So glad it went well and that you have a treatment plan in place!

  • chandra June 11, 2009, 9:04 am

    Great news!! I'm so happy for you!! I can't imagine not running now, so I'm sure you're thrilled! YAY!! 🙂

  • Erin June 11, 2009, 9:04 am

    CAITLIN!!! you really could not ask for better news, hey! Sure… it's not the greatest but you can RUN! and you will be OKAY! yesssssss!! :D:D

  • amy. June 11, 2009, 9:05 am

    I am so thrilled that you found such a great doctor to help you! I'm sure you'll be stronger than ever after your treatment. GREAT NEWS 🙂

  • kirsten June 11, 2009, 9:08 am

    I had a really similar appt on monday with the same diagnosis. I start physical therapy next week and am SO excited to get back to running. Congrats! Isn't it a great feeling to know the problem isn't as bad as you thought it was and you don't have to give up running?

  • charm73 June 11, 2009, 9:11 am

    I had to de-lurk to comment….

    I have the same thing, and in 2 weeks of taping and easy VMO exercises (squats with good form is one of the best), my patella now stays where it should and my knee pain is gone!

    So glad to hear you can get back to running!

  • Megan June 11, 2009, 9:12 am

    Yay, Caitlin! I'm so happy for you! That is wonderful news and that sounds like a great doctor who laid out such a comprehensive treatment plan. And what a great dad you have!

  • Victoria June 11, 2009, 9:16 am

    That's great news! Glad your appointment went so well.

  • Susan June 11, 2009, 9:17 am

    Omg, you can run!!! I am so excited for you!!!! I'm so happy you found a good doctor who can help you figure it out. And the treatment sounds totally manageable. Yay!! 😀

  • recipesforcreativity June 11, 2009, 9:23 am

    YAY!!! All that worrying and frustration over not running, and here you are, able to run again! I am so happy you followed your gut and saw a second doctor, one who really cares! I am so, so happy for you!

  • Amy June 11, 2009, 9:24 am

    Wonderful news!!!

  • Anne June 11, 2009, 9:25 am

    Awww sweetheart, I'm so happy for you! I'm glad everything worked out this time 😀 I hope the PT goes well and you can finally run again! I know it's your dream and passion 🙂

  • healthy ashley June 11, 2009, 9:26 am

    Congratulations on the awesome news!!!! I am so happy for you 🙂

    And your dad ROCKS!

  • Dori June 11, 2009, 9:27 am

    My PT does that taping on my knees! SO glad to hear you will be fine and went to a good doctor!

  • snackpak June 11, 2009, 9:32 am

    that's awesome! so happy for you and your new-found plan for relief. 🙂

  • Chloe June 11, 2009, 9:35 am

    See? Not all Western doctors are bad, just like not all alternative doctors are good! You found the right one and I'm so happy for you, getting a second or third opinion is always wise. Hooray for being able to run again!

  • Aimee June 11, 2009, 9:37 am

    I'm so impressed with how prepared you were at the doctors and happy that he had some solutions for you to run! That is one great dad.

  • Erica June 11, 2009, 9:41 am

    FABULOUS! What great news. Thrilled you can run 😉

  • healthyfitmama June 11, 2009, 9:41 am

    How exciting! Happy running!

  • Marissa June 11, 2009, 9:41 am

    WHAT WONDERFUL NEWS!!!

  • Justine June 11, 2009, 9:42 am

    Yay! So glad you can get back to running! It may take some work to make the knee pain go away or be more tolerable, but at least you know it won't be damaging to you and you can work through it! Congrats! 🙂

  • Katherine June 11, 2009, 9:43 am

    YAY! That's amazing, Caitlin! I am SO happy for you.

  • Stephanie June 11, 2009, 9:43 am

    Hi Caitlin. I don't know if you got my email I sent you the other day about your knee. I guess I was right! You have exactly what I had, except I had a MUCH worse knee to start with. I also did the taping. Have your therapist teach your husband to do it for you…it's kinda hard to tape yourself! You'll feel much better once you start PT. Good luck!

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point June 11, 2009, 9:45 am

    stephanie – did i not response? i respond to all emails!! can you send it again?

  • GreenDogWine June 11, 2009, 9:46 am

    YAY CAITLIN! So happy for the brighter prognosis! 🙂

  • K from ksgoodeats June 11, 2009, 9:46 am

    Congrats!! I'm SO SO SO happy for you!!

  • Courtney June 11, 2009, 9:50 am

    I suffer from runner's knee as well, it's just something that we with big quads have to deal with. My PT suggested strengthening the various muscles around it to help ease the stress, and to keep my mileage down until my body to "catch up." And it has worked, a lot! I do kickboxing and dancing to work the various leg muscles, and of course, my running has improved by taking it slow, going from 1 mile to 2 to 3 to 4 to 5, now I can run 5 happilly without pain. And I hope it continues to increase 🙂

    I thought your first doc was just an ass.

    Awesome idea to call a running store to recommend a Doc, seriously. :]

  • Sarah (LovIN My Tummy) June 11, 2009, 9:51 am

    I'm so glad you have an answer and that you can keep running!

    On a side note, your dad looks like a hot Kris Krisofferson 😉

  • Michelle June 11, 2009, 9:55 am

    Aw YAY Caitlin I am so happy for you!!! I'm sure it's an amazing feeling to find out you don't have to give up something you love!! Thumbs up for competent doctors too!! 🙂

  • Tami June 11, 2009, 9:58 am

    great job-i am proud of you for seeing this through and getting an answer!

    be sure you are wearing the correct shoes (i know you had some issues in the past) if you pronate there are shoes that should help

  • Meghann June 11, 2009, 10:05 am

    I <3 you!! That Doc rocks!

  • Anne P June 11, 2009, 10:08 am

    !!!!! yay! congrats!!! i am so excited for you 🙂

  • Jenny June 11, 2009, 10:10 am

    i'm so happy you finally got everything figured out and you're released to run!! congrats, girl.. I'm sure you feel so relieved!

    p.s. your dad is precious!

  • Kristin June 11, 2009, 10:17 am

    AWESOME NEWS CAITLIN!!!!! So happy for you 🙂

  • Anonymous June 11, 2009, 10:20 am

    Great to hear you had a positive doc's appt. and that you can keep running!!! Orthodics really do help, take some getting used to, but worth it.

    Cheers!!!

  • Rebeca @All Vegged Out June 11, 2009, 10:24 am

    OMG this is the best news I've heard all day! Congratulations C!!!

    You can finally do what you love and in the process discovered your love for biking… And now you know that you really were meant to be a runner because the things in life that are truly worth it, are the ones we must fight the hardest for!

  • Holly Noelle June 11, 2009, 10:24 am

    Hooray! That's wonderful news!!! I look forward to seeing posts in the future documenting runs!

  • Matt June 11, 2009, 10:28 am

    Congrats! That is awesome news!

  • Janet June 11, 2009, 10:30 am

    That is so wonderful! I know you've been going through a tough time not being able to run lately, and that is such great news!

  • seesaraheat June 11, 2009, 10:38 am

    Hallelujah! You found the right doctor for sure, it is always good to get a second opinion on things like that. I'm so glad you can run again! Good luck with your physical therapy, excited to see what you'll do next 🙂

  • Kori (All Things B.) June 11, 2009, 10:39 am

    That is great news Caitlin! It really does pay to be a well informed and prepared patient! Your Ortho doc prob appreciated having as much info on hand as possible too. What a great Dad to lend the moral support! Good luck with the PT!

    Shameless plug ALERT! I know you're a fan of Amazing Grass. Any of you who want to try it for free can stop by and enter my Giveaway!
    http://livetheblife.com/2009/06/09/amazing-grass-rocks-my-world/

  • runsarah June 11, 2009, 10:42 am

    So happy for you and so glad you found a great dr!

  • Amanda June 11, 2009, 10:43 am

    SO glad to hear that you will be able to do what you love again 🙂

    I am really impressed with how smart you were in both honoring your body AND seeking out a knowledgable doc. Also, you have maintained such a positive, yet realistic attitude throughout this whole ordeal and only come out stronger. Thanks for being a great example!

  • RissyKay June 11, 2009, 10:44 am

    Great news! I am so happy for you.

  • Stacey June 11, 2009, 10:46 am

    Yay! I am so happy for you!! What a great day, by the way 🙂 So glad that your doc was able to assess the problem and that you can still run!!! Woo hoo! I would've cried too 🙂

  • leslie June 11, 2009, 10:48 am

    i almost screeched when i read this! i'm so happy for you caitlin. your treatment plan looks great – i know all the hard work will pay off!

    i'm really curious to see how your orthotics feel since i'm headed in that direction too. again, so happy for you – you've been in need of some good news!!

  • Cherie June 11, 2009, 10:50 am

    Caitlin,

    I have been reading your blog for a long time (I guess I'm a lurker) but your good news at the doctor compelled me to write a comment! Yay! I am so happy you don't have to give up running! I became a runner myself in the last 1.5 years and know how devastating it would be if that got taken away from me! Stay healthy and run safe!

  • Sarah W. June 11, 2009, 10:51 am

    yay for the good news!

    is it bad to say that your dad is super cute????

  • elliebelle June 11, 2009, 10:55 am

    Awesome news! I'm so glad you can finally know what is up and what to do. 🙂 What a relief!

  • eatingRD June 11, 2009, 10:56 am

    I'm SOOO glad you finally found out what is going on for sure. It makes you feel soo much better. I had some minor issues with my hamstring and Achilles tendon when I was dancing and so many doctors just brushed me off and basically told me I was stupid. Then I found an amazing doctor (Dr. Gunter in Vegas who works with dancers) and he was amazing and really cared. I did physical therapy on pilates reformers and it did wonders! I'm so very happy for you, it's going to be okay!!
    -kristen

  • Quinn June 11, 2009, 11:10 am

    Woo hoo! I'm so glad you got such good news!

  • Niki June 11, 2009, 11:10 am

    I'm so happy for you! That's great news!!

  • sloank June 11, 2009, 11:13 am

    Aw, Caitlin, I am so happy for you!! This is awesome news and I can just tell how happy you are!! Congrats, girl!!!

  • Melissa @ For the Love of Health June 11, 2009, 11:27 am

    That's so amazing!!!!!!! Great news! I'm happy for yoU!

  • Thinspired June 11, 2009, 11:29 am

    What wonderful news! I feel your relef just from reading your post. You are such a well-prepared patient, too! I am so impressed but not surprised 🙂

  • Amy June 11, 2009, 11:31 am

    You know, I've never really put 2 and 2 together about this — but I ran my first marathon (and first race) in 2007, and I experienced a few different post-race injuries. I had to take a break and it drove me nuts. Since March 2008, I have been consistantly strength-training. I got back to running and became better at incorporating cross-training.
    Now, I have been running high-mileage and pain-free for over a year. I think strengthening the leg muscles in proper balance is key.
    My legs are last to tire out these days…my legs could keep going forever. My mind is the thing that stops me these days!

  • Danielle June 11, 2009, 11:57 am

    I'm so happy for you, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that your PT helps!

  • Liz June 11, 2009, 12:05 pm

    Hi Caitlin,

    I found your blog through a friend and just wanted to let you know that last year I pretty much went through everything that you've been dealing with lately regarding your knee pain. I saw a bunch of regular doctors who either told me that I should stop running altogether or that they weren't quite sure what was wrong, but going to a great orthopedist/sports specialist really helped. I went to physical therapy for a while and eventually learned how to do the strength exercises on my own, and the difference all those exercises make are really amazing. Strangely, what helped more than just doing the exercises was cross-training. This spring I trained for and raced in an olympic distance triathlon (with very little prior experience) and despite how I thought training would negatively impact my knee, the training variety virtually eliminated my knee pain. I could feel a definite strength difference and hear a LOT less cracking/popping in my knee. Definitely don't get discouraged, good luck with everything, and if you have an inclination to try a triathlon, I'd highly recommend it.

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point June 11, 2009, 12:08 pm

    thanks for the support everyone!!

    liz – i do hope my cross training is helping me! i definitely like biking and will not give that up just because i am running. your story gives me hope! i promise to be the best PT patient EVER!!

  • Stephanie June 11, 2009, 12:11 pm

    Hey Caitlin. I sent the email again. Let me know if it doesn't go through.

  • Island Girl Eats June 11, 2009, 12:24 pm

    That is such good news. It is always a good idea to get a second opinion, especially when it involves giving up something you love so much.

    Will you be doing the 15k run? A little present to your self!!!!

  • Priyanka loves food June 11, 2009, 12:25 pm

    yay! I am so happy for you! It is always so relieving when the doctor gives you a proper description of the problem!

    And really that is so no nice of your dad to accompany you!!

  • Oh She Glows June 11, 2009, 12:57 pm

    omg I am just beaming from EAR to EAR after reading this!!!!!!!!

    Im soooo happy for you!!! What great news- I mean it is so managable!!! WOW. I can only imagine how you feel right now!!

  • Case June 11, 2009, 1:27 pm

    You must feel sooo relieved! Even though I don't need to tell you, remember to not rush into it – you're so busy already that you may start feeling pressure to DO more just because you're "allowed" to do more. Just to what makes you happy and feel good =)

  • Casey @ Double Scooped June 11, 2009, 1:29 pm

    And OMG you look just like your dad!!

  • jillwillrun June 11, 2009, 1:47 pm

    I'm glad you can continue running. Would you consider posting about some of the exercises you learn in Physical Therapy? I had a "Chondromalacia" diagnosis myself about 14 years ago. I went through physical therapy at the time, but it's been so long I would love to know if exercises are different.

  • emily2 June 11, 2009, 2:07 pm

    that's such good news!
    And your dad is cute. 🙂

  • SweetPea June 11, 2009, 2:08 pm

    I'm so glad that you had a positive doctor's visit and that he said that it's okay for you to run again. What a difference from your last visit to a doctor. Yea for a plan!

  • Holly June 11, 2009, 2:13 pm

    That is SUCH great news!!!! I am so, so happy for you…I have been there with not running and mentally it is SO hard. You have to be ecstatic!

  • Emily June 11, 2009, 2:19 pm

    Yay Caitlin…you can run again! I'm so happy for you and so glad you found a doctor who treats patients like individuals and actually knew his stuff!

  • RunToFinish June 11, 2009, 2:24 pm

    just be very diligent with PT or you will end up with what I had… runners knee that was so bad I couldn't walk downhill or downstairs… yup I just kept thinking it would get better

  • emily June 11, 2009, 2:33 pm

    Yay, I am so excited for you, that is great news!

  • Faith C. June 11, 2009, 2:35 pm

    That's great news! So glad you have something that is totally treatable and you can RUN again, yay!

  • Michelle June 11, 2009, 2:35 pm

    Yayyy so glad your appointment went well! Can't wait to hear about your PT! 🙂

  • Jess June 11, 2009, 2:35 pm

    That's exactly what I was diagnosed with and the PT did wonders. I ended up being in PT a little longer than the doctor thought I would be but I didn't even mind. Just stick with those exercises! I did have a flare up about five months after I was done with PT because I had let some of the strengthening slip.

  • Tammy June 11, 2009, 2:38 pm

    Caitlin, this doctor sounds out-of-this-world FANTASTIC! I am so happy you found him and that you can fun again if you want to! Congratulations and thank you for sharing your story!

  • Beezus June 11, 2009, 2:52 pm

    That is awesome that you are cleared for running. I hope you have an awesome PT – because I love mine more than any other doctor I've ever had. Sometimes I wish I was still injured so I could visit her more!

  • kilax June 11, 2009, 3:25 pm

    Yay! I am so happy it went well and you got some guidance!

    And how cool that your dad came! What a great guy 🙂

  • Allison R June 11, 2009, 3:43 pm

    Congrats!!! I'm so happy for you!!!

  • Lexie June 11, 2009, 3:45 pm

    That is so awesome you finally found a doctor you like and accomplished something by going to him! I bet you can't wait to start running again 🙂

    By the way…your Dad sounds so sweet!!

  • Lindsay June 11, 2009, 3:46 pm

    I had early problems with that and my coach had me do leg extensions (quad weight machine), only lowering my legs 30 degrees before extending them fully again. Apparently that isolates the VMO. Ask the PT if that helps.

  • Rachel June 11, 2009, 4:33 pm

    I had the same condition a couple of years ago and the taping works wonders! You'll be amazed at how much better your knees feel. I'm so glad that you finally have some answers!

  • Carolina John June 11, 2009, 5:10 pm

    wow, that's really cool! very cool for your dad to come with, too.

    You got your muscles out of balance? that's something i have to struggle with too. cross training will help, and training for your century ride and sprint tri should take care of it. I bet running after your tri will be as clean as it was when you first started.

  • Jewels June 11, 2009, 5:27 pm

    so happy for you! what a smart idea typing up those notes

  • jane June 11, 2009, 6:20 pm

    i've seen tons of runners have this issue and get through it just fine 🙂

    that was awesome that you came so prepared, i think that probably made it a lot easier for the doctor. and nice call in getting the recommendation from a running store- we know our shit, what can i say?!

  • Jenn June 11, 2009, 6:47 pm

    Im so glad your appointment went well! I think I need some good arch support too, did you buy those inserts from his office?? Or somewhere else?

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point June 11, 2009, 6:49 pm

    jenn – from a medical supply store. im sure you could find them online!

  • Kelly June 11, 2009, 8:51 pm

    That's so weird Caitlin because that's what I have! All this time I've been reading your blog and I'm like wow- everything sounds so similar to me I hope I don't have this degenerative condition too! In fact, it's that you have what I have, yay!
    It's great that your doctor said you can run. Mine and my PT said not to for now, but that's okay- I don't think this is anything permanent. They didn't mention the taping to me either so I might ask about that 🙂

  • Erin of Care to Eat June 11, 2009, 9:43 pm

    YAY!
    I HAVE IT TOO! Walking down hills really hurts! 😉
    E-mail me if you want to discuss!
    Your dad looks like such a hot surfer dude!

  • FoodsThatFit June 11, 2009, 10:22 pm

    Hey Caitlin,

    When my knee issues began a couple of years ago, they diagnosed me with PFPS as well….it took a while to get better, and although it still acts up sometimes, I am running strong again. It can be so frustrating, but hang in there. Honestly, I think biking was the thing that helped the most. It helped strengthen the muscles that support the knee, that get neglected from just running. I think this diagnosis sounds like great news, and I have no doubt you'll be back to running again. It may take some time and lots of patience, but you'll be able to run again, free of pain, I have no doubt! Love ya sweetie!!!

  • Bre June 11, 2009, 11:25 pm

    woohoo!!
    this is great news! happy running caitlin! 🙂

  • lilveggiepatch June 12, 2009, 2:34 am

    YAY! What fabulous news!!! I'm so glad it's not as serious as it could be and that you can keep running. Even better that you found a reliable doctor! And yeah, your dad is pretty great 🙂

  • Andrea (Off Her Cork) June 12, 2009, 7:40 am

    Hooray! Thank god for sports doctors right? YaY! 😀

  • Jessi February 2, 2012, 5:39 pm

    Hi Caitlin,

    I found your blog from an article on CLT Observer’s site today about the project you and Molly are doing (very impressive by the way). I started browsing through some of your posts and came upon this one. I also have been having knee problems and had a similar, horrible experience with the first doctor I went to here in CLT. Would you mind letting me know who you went to?

    Thanks!
    Jessi

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