Bones and Cartilage

in All Posts

So this is what makes the magic happen:

DSCN0003

My appointment with the orthopaedic doctor was meh.

 

Some background:  I have been experiencing dynamic pain in my knees, lower leg, ankle, and hips since September 21 (two days after a 14.0 mile long run).  Obviously, the pain is not debilitating (I would rank it as an average of “3” on a scale of 1 – 10), nor has it prevented me from running 20 – 25 miles a week, a Half Marathon, or a 15K.

 

However, the pain has been nagging me for a month, and I’ve done enough research on stress fractures to know that I really needed to get X-rays and a bone scan.  So, even though I lean towards alternative medicine, I made an appointment with an orthopaedic doctor.

 

I accomplished the basic things I needed to get out of this appointment:  I got X-rays and I got a referral for a bone scan.  However, I was SO disappointed with this doctor’s bedside manner.  He came into the room and said, “So, your knee hurts?”  I tried to explain that it wasn’t just my knee, but you know how doctors are–they just launch into their explanation without really hearing your complaint.

 

He didn’t ask me:

 

  • How many miles a week I run
  • When I started to run
  • How many days a week I run
  • How I cross train
  • What surfaces I run on

 

How in the WORLD can you diagnosis someone without asking about their history?  I just don’t understand it!

 

I would’ve been more assertive and directed the conversation where I wanted it to go, but I was completely thrown off by what he said within two minutes of meeting me:

 

“You have to stop running.”

 

Tears literally welled up in my eyes when he said that.  It made me so, so mad.  First of all, he didn’t take the time to understand running is MY PASSION.  Second of all, he didn’t  offer me any alternatives–he just said I had to stop, completely.  Third of all, how can he possibly know this in 2 minutes?!

 

Next up, he rotated my knees.  Unfortunately, he diagnosed me with Chondromalacia, which is an irritation of the undersurface of the kneecap or a “softening” of the cartilage. I’ve always known my knees kind of sucked, so I wasn’t surprised to hear this.  The doctor then proceeded to advise me that there was nothing I could do to stop the Chondromalacia from progressing, except quitting running.

 

This also made me quite upset–I don’t believe that stopping running is my only solution.  What about supplements or strength training exercises?! I just did 5 minutes of Internet research on the condition and discovered that physical therapy is a great way to heal Chondromalacia, and that “the damage from Chondromalacia is thought to be capable of repair, unlike that seen with arthritis.”

 

Then, I took my X-Rays. Here are my knees.  Clockwise from the top right, that’s my right knee from the side, both of my knees from the front, and my right knee from the top.

DSCN9991

Here’s a close up shot of my right knee:

DSCN9999

And here is my lower right leg:

DSCN9996

One positive thing did come out of my doctor’s appointment:  the X-Rays did not reveal any stress fractures or lumps on my bones.  However, stress fractures can be super tiny and hard to spot on a X-Ray, so I’m getting a bone scan done next Saturday.

 

The doctor did say that if my bone scan comes back clean, I am cleared for running (in the next breath, he then advised me to never run again….).  If I have a stress fracture, I will be off my feet for 6 to 8 weeks.  I’m not really worried about my bone scan revealing a stress fracture, but I want to rule it out completely.

 

The doctor advised me to not run until my bone scan.  Sorry, but I’m not going to listen to him. I don’t believe I have a stress fracture, and I can run without pain (it’s highly intermittent and didn’t bother me during my 5.0 miler this morning at all).  However, I am going to take him up on SOME of his advice:

 

  • I will start running in the pool (more on that later!).
  • I will replace one of my runs with cross training, so I’m running 4 days a week instead of five.
  • As I have already decided to do, there will be no half marathons in the near future.  I will stick to 7 miles or less.

 

 

In addition, I am making an appointment to see a holistic doctor/doctor of Oriental medicine.  I’m going to wait until my bone scan comes back so I can show them the results.

 

Eats

 

I had my very last Z-Bar in the doctor’s office while waiting for my X-Rays to come back:

DSCN9984

And, when I returned home, I made a melty cheese + chicken + spinach grilled sammie.

DSCN0012

On the side, I had some grapes:

DSCN0005

And two large carrots:

DSCN0007

A Note:

 

I hope I didn’t offend anyone out there who is a Western doctor or has family that is a Western doctor.  A lack of bedside manner and interest in a patient’s history is a frequent compliant from Western medicine patients. Most doctors diagnosis you within the first 5 minutes–which simply isn’t enough time to really know a patient’s history and symptoms.  I’m not saying EVERY Western doctor is like this, but unfortunately — I have never had a positive experience with a Western doctor.  So, please — do not take my rant personally!

 

How do you handle discussing medical issues with your doctor?  I think I need to start writing down my symptoms and complaints BEFORE I walk in.  And I need to be more forceful if I think the doctor is getting off-track.

{ 53 comments }

 

  • Tina October 17, 2008, 9:50 am

    Sorry to hear your running news, but I think you are smart taking some of the doc’s advice.

    I’m all for Eastern medicine! Let us know how that goes!

  • lauren October 17, 2008, 9:55 am

    So sorry to hear about the doctor’s diagnosis, but I think you are smart to take it with a grain of salt. Especially since he didnt have much background on you before diagnosing. So frustrating! But do what you feel is right for you with running…and mixing up your workouts with some crosstraining will be fun!

  • Tracy October 17, 2008, 9:55 am

    Caitlin,
    I am dealing with a stress fracture now in my ankle. I actually get my cast off today (yeah!). Anyway, the best thing I did was find a doctor who is a runner. He understands that I need to run again and he made me feel like this is not a big deal, and it will not effect my future running. I am not sure how you can find out if there are any running doctors near you-I found mine through a friend who runs. It is just so nice that he knows how badly I want to get back to running!
    Tracy
    PS-My xray did not show my stress fracture either, I had to get an ultrasound because it was just hurting in one certain spot. It doesn’t sound like you have one though! Good luck!

  • Caitlin October 17, 2008, 9:59 am

    tina, tracy, and lauren – thanks ladies, i appreciate the support!

    tracy – do you know why your doctor had you do a ultrasound instead of a bone scan? is it the same thing? i would love to find a running doctor. this guy was a sports medicine doctor, but i think you’re right — i need a RUNNER. congrats on your cast removal!

  • Alex October 17, 2008, 9:59 am

    I’m so sorry to hear that you had such a crappy experience! I, too, have never liked doctors (not necessarily because of the “Western” part, I just don’t like them) – but I think that you should get a second opinion. It doesn’t sound like he was very…um… good at his job? Maybe you could find someone who has had problems like this or some other runners and ask if they have any Dr. recommendations?

    Good luck!

  • Meg October 17, 2008, 10:00 am

    Sorry to hear that your appointment was somewhat disappointing! I am always frustrated by doctors…especially when there are not open to listening to you before making a diagnosis!

  • Caitlin October 17, 2008, 10:00 am

    alex – LOL. no–it didn’t seem like he was very good at his job at all!

  • VeggieGirl October 17, 2008, 10:01 am

    Oh no!!! TERRIBLE that he told you to stop running – especially after not even asking important questions related to your pain. I’m with you on the holistic approach, so best of luck!!! You know I’m praying that you have a full recovery, and a GOOD/sound diagnosis!!!

  • Katie October 17, 2008, 10:03 am

    That is so frustrating. Will you post a little about running in the water? When I got diagnosed with a femur stress fracture, the doctor ordered me off doing ANY kind of weight-bearing on my left leg, including yoga. While that was probably a good idea for me (I don’t want to end up with a broken thigh!) he laughed at me when I ASKED if I could still do pilates, and told me it was my fault I was in this situation to begin with for training for races. Bah.

    Anyway, I hope your knee feels better and you find a good way to balance out rest and training. I’m so sorry! I know how frustrating injuries are…

  • Caitlin October 17, 2008, 10:06 am

    katie – your doctor sounds like a bigger a-hole than mine! you win!

    yes, i actually just bought myself a water running belt and i’m going to try it out tomorrow! so checkie it out then, i’ll let you know how it goes!

  • magpie October 17, 2008, 10:16 am

    I am always so frustrated by Western medicine. Doctors assume so much and I always feel like they think I have no understanding of medicine and health. Obviously we didn’t all go to med school, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t listen to our bodies!

    I hope you get a better answer 🙂

  • Meghann October 17, 2008, 10:18 am

    Ouch! I think your doctor’s appointment is a good reason to drink this weekend. I’m so sorry he was such a jerk, and he sounded like he had all this stuff going for him too! I can’t believe he didn’t listen to anything about your history at all! I don’t think you should be prevented from running, you’re too young! I would look into other alternatives for sure. Hang in there!

  • Jen October 17, 2008, 10:23 am

    You should see a Sports Medicine Orthopedic doc. They would try not to say this to you and they are trained to treat athletes, like runners. Maybe you DO need to adjust your running a bit, but at least they would take other things into consideration before blurting out, “stop running!”
    Good luck, Caitlin!

    PS- Does this mean no Gasparilla Half for you? I want to meet you!

  • Bridget October 17, 2008, 10:24 am

    What a disappointment!! I had a not-quite-as-bad experience with a D.O. earlier this week and it really bothered me too. I think a second opinion is a great idea – good luck! I’m looking forward to hearing about this running in water thing.

  • Jen October 17, 2008, 10:25 am

    Oh, I see that he was a Sports Med doc…hmmm…my advice was no good then. That will teach me to start running my mouth too soon…
    🙂

  • Caitlin (see bride run) October 17, 2008, 10:30 am

    jen – haha no worries. i’m still going to do gaspirilla! i just think i need to take it easy for a few months. gasparilla is ON!

  • ModelBehavior October 17, 2008, 10:42 am

    Gosh I guess I should feel lucky with the dr’s I’ve seen. The sports med guy I go to asks TONS of questions about what I’m doing and how often, most my apts with him are 30 mns to an hour long! He’s a physical therapist as well so maybe that’s the difference? Well I hope everything turns out for you!

    http://www.modbehav.com

  • Balance, Joy and Delicias! October 17, 2008, 10:43 am

    I’m sorry to hear that. I understand how I get dissapointed and angry when can not do what loves most.
    but health body is always first priority. Good that you’re adjust your running plan accordingly.

  • Marissa October 17, 2008, 10:44 am

    I would definitely recommend physical therapy!!! I had such severe knee pain that I couldn’t run for more than 2 minutes without having excruciating. I recently finished physical therapy and have been slowly increasing my running time. I’ve had to adjust how I run (every other day instead of everyday and going at a slower pace). I am sure you will find a solution and be back running before you know it!

  • Elina October 17, 2008, 10:50 am

    Oh no, I’m sorry that doctor was such a jerk. It definitely sounds like you need to ease up on the running a bit, but I would keep on running/cross training too… I’m just stubborn like that 🙂 Keep us posted…
    Oh, your sandwich looks awesome!

  • sharon October 17, 2008, 10:51 am

    Hey Caitlin,
    So sorry to hear about your disappointing doctor’s appointment-some doctors can really be such jerks! I think it was very irresponsible of him to not take a full history before coming to his “conclusions”. It seems that doctor’s nowadays only spend a minute or two with you and charge a couple hundred bucks for it! There are good doctors out there, they’re just really hard to find, that’s for sure!

    I can imagine how terrible you feel hearing the news to stop running- I would be DEVASTATED!!! I would definitely get a second opinion. Try to research on the internet some of the orthopedic practices in your area. I have done this before and a lot of the practices have doctor’s bios that say they are a runner and describe in detail the many sports they participate in. There is a great orthopedic practice in my area that does just that and ALL of the doctor’s are VERY physically active and the majority of them are runners!!!

    Sorry this post was soooo long. I just feel really bad and wanted to cheer you up. You know your body best and it’s clear that this doctor you saw doesn’t. He didn’t even take the time.

    Hugs to you!!!

  • Anonymous October 17, 2008, 11:13 am

    Hi, I am a lurker (i.e love your blog but never comment) haha. Anyways I just had to chime in for two reasons. Firstly, is that I have the same condition. I have found a way to still run and enjoy it without as much pain. I had to dramatically cut back milleage, up my cross-training and increase strength training on my legs and core to balance out my body. I went from running 4 or 5 times a week (apx 25-30 miles a week)down to 3 or 4 runs of no more then 18 miles a week. I did cross training like swimming, step mill, biking, eliptical etc on all the other days. In addition I would never run 2 days in a row. I could run one day and cross train the next, this allowed my knee to build its strength back up. In addition I consulted with a personal trainer to help me strength all of my leg muscles. My quads were dominating and I had weak hamstring and glutes. Also strengthing my back and core were crucial in helping me gain better balance which helps not only with running but everyday activities. Of course atleast one day a week of total rest from exercise is a must too! These are of course my experiences and I am in no way advising that this is best for you.

    Secondly I taught water aerobics for a few years as well as private swimming lessons to everyone from athletes to toddlers. I used to do alot of deep water aerobics where the base of our exercises was using the aqua jogger, or swim belt. I also worked at a hospital in a physical therapy pool so I have quiet a bit of experience with water rehab and exercise. Anyways, sorry this is super long…but if you had any questions about water exercise/jogging I would be happy to give you my 2 cents. Good luck striking your balance. You have to listen to what your body says, and it seems like your very in tune.

    -Arika

  • Lauren @ Team Giles October 17, 2008, 11:15 am

    Caitlyn, I’m so sorry to hear that Doctor was that way to you. My question is… is HE a runner? does he have any clue? Was he in shape? Or was he just babbling from a text book that he’s memorized? I’m curious to see how your other appointments go.
    I definitely pray they’re 10 times better AND you’ll get to continue your passion

  • Tami October 17, 2008, 11:16 am

    i just read in runner’s world that 3 miles of riding a bike measures to one mile running

    i have a great doctor, have you ever gone to see a DO instead of an MD? it’s good to get a follow up and PT never hurt anyone.

    i would ask around with some other runners and see what they do with a similar pain you are having.

    good luck.

  • caroline October 17, 2008, 11:17 am

    I think you may have just had bad luck with this doc. I can understand your frustration though. I am lucky that I have such a great doctor.

    Maybe this guy is just over confident with the credentials of his professional sports team affiliations. Are there other doctors within the practice?

    I do agree that getting a doctor that has some background with running would be ideal.

    Hang in there

  • aron October 17, 2008, 11:23 am

    GAH that sucks 🙁 hang in there girlie!!

  • seejessrun October 17, 2008, 11:34 am

    I took 3 months off for knee pain and conventional medicine didn’t help at all. Have you heard of Active Release Technique? If you go to my blog and use the Injury category or click on the Therapy tag, I have several old posts about it. It worked really, really well for me.

    Unfortunately xrays don’t typically show stress fractures. Sucks, because they’re much cheaper than a bone scan or MRI.

    Try not to do internet research on running injuries. I’m guilty of it as well, but it doesn’t work and may turn you into a total hypochondriac. But DO seek a second opinion.

  • tfh October 17, 2008, 12:19 pm

    #$%^&%$!

    If your insurance allows you to do so, I HIGHLY recommend you see another doctor. In fact, I would even ask the Bad Doctor for a referral to a doc who works specifically with runners– clearly it seems he isn't current on his knowledge of running injuries & treatment. If a doctor is insulted that you want a second opinion from an authority on running, he's very, very unprofessional.

    The last time I was injured I also was disappointed in my doctor and ended up getting acupuncture/herbal treatments AND taking a break from running. Our health care system is a pain and it sucks that getting a referral and getting in to see a doctor– let alone spend 5 minutes with them– is a struggle. But if you have the time, do shop around. I think the future of your running is worth it!

  • Kath October 17, 2008, 12:27 pm

    Cool to see your innards!!

    Sorry to hear about your pain, though. Believe me when I say I know how you feel. I wasn’t able to run for 3 years and it’s truly a passion of mine too 🙁

    Hope all goes well.

  • tami October 17, 2008, 12:33 pm

    Caitlin,
    I work for a group of orthopaedic surgeons and there are a couple of them who have horrible bedside manner, but they are good doctors. But my friend went to see one because she had started running and her knee that has always been a problem started hurting her. Well he pretty much told her “you should probably stop running”. But he did send her to physical therapy and the pt told her not to stop running and did therapy on her that would help her knee. Now she is fine. Soooo what you read sounds exactly right. Keep on running girl!

  • Sarah October 17, 2008, 12:38 pm

    I have had some very good Western doctors and some very bad ones. The immediate care centers are the worst, they don’t even examine you and then they’ll write you a prescription!

    I know it’s different, but after my last couple of colds, I am a believer in alternative medicine. Herbal remedies have always worked better for me when it comes to that kind of stuff, but I’m not sure how it works with your situation.

    It’s definitely good to keep your options open. Hope you get good news on Saturday!

    I definitely think you should make a list before you go to the doctor next time. It’s a good way of staying on track and not letting them have control. They are (supposed to be) there to listen!

    Keep doing what you love 🙂

  • whatiateyesterday October 17, 2008, 12:43 pm

    I’m sorry your doc was so terrible 🙁 Hang in there, we are all on your side!

    I am lucky to be blessed with a wonderful doctor. He is always willing to try alternative meds and often encourages me to do yoga. Too bad good docs are hard to fine.

  • jenngirl October 17, 2008, 1:02 pm

    Sorry to hear your appointment did not go well. I know how scary that can be to hear from a doctor that you need to cut something you love out of your life. I sincerely hope this is not the case for you, and it is good that you are going to take some of his advice for the time being. Just take care of yourself and listen to your body (like you already do), and I’m sure it will work out for the best! Good luck with your bone scan next week!

  • Flatman October 17, 2008, 1:17 pm

    Sorry to hear that. Have you thought about riding a bike as cross training?

    First visit to your blog and man…you have some delicious looking pictures!!! Yum. 🙂

  • Caitlin (see bride run) October 17, 2008, 1:27 pm

    thanks for all the feedback! it’s comforting to know i’m not the only one frustrated with our health care.

    modelbehav – i wish i lived in NYC, i would go see your doctor!

    balance, joy, and food – i agree 100%… its just tough to balance short-term wants (running, now!) with long-term needs (being able to walk). LOL

    marissa – that’s great to hear you’ve found a way to still run! i am def going to look into PT options.

    sharon – you always cheer me up. thanks 🙂

    anon – hmmm you make a good point about not running two days in a row. i may have to rearrange my schedule to do that! and water running is DEFINITELY something i am going to try…. tomorrow!!

    lauren – no, he had no clue. LOL. about anything.

    seejessrun- i am going to check out this info about active release FOR SURE! thanks!

    tfh – you’re right… i am def going for a second opinion!!

    sarah – i am 100% for alternative medicine. i’m a believer!

    flatman – i have a bike! i need to ride it more for sure 🙂 i think you’ll be seeing more of that in the near future.

    and to everyone else – thanks for the well wishes. it means so much!

  • Sammie October 17, 2008, 2:22 pm

    I am sorry to hear his “diagnosis”. I do think that a 4 day run week is a good idea – just see how your body responds to the change. I hate going to the DR. for the same reasons you listed – I went through a lot of issues in the past with GI problems. It is so not comforting when a DR. says to you “I have no idea what is wrong with you, but tests say otherwise”. Follow your instinct but be smart of course which I think you already are. Oh I sound so much like a mother!!! Well I guess when you are one that tends to happen. Good luck!!!

  • Justine October 17, 2008, 2:41 pm

    Sorry to hear your visit with the doctor didn’t go as well as we’d hoped 🙁 I’m with everyone else though in that you may wanna look at getting a second opinion…he kinda sounds like a jerk! And cutting back to 4 days of running may help, too! I only run 4 days/week and crosstrain/weightlift on the other days…plus then I get a day between most of my runs to let my body recover. I’m still fairly new to running, so I think my body needs a day off in between most runs 🙂
    I’m sure everything will turn out fine…where there’s a will, there’s a way!

  • loveofoats October 17, 2008, 3:12 pm

    im sooooo sorry to hear that your doctor’s appointment went so crappy 🙁 i think what you are doing is absolutely the best approach and hope that you will be able to run soon! good luck w/ the other doctor!

  • Carolina John October 17, 2008, 3:24 pm

    all western doctors are just prescription pimps. their contracts with the insurance companies tie their hands so tight all they can do is write a prescription and get out of there. Most doctors really do want to help people (at least deep down), but they can’t anymore. So his being dismissive “stop running” was really just “i can’t write a prescription for this”

    that’s what’s wrong with the system today at a very root level. and with the election in 18 days i’m glad you got to see it first hand. you know, the whole “change we can believe in” thing. That is what needs to be changed.

  • Jenna October 17, 2008, 3:38 pm

    You should go see Dr.Funk (haha I know, right?!). He was AWESOME!!!! Very easy to make an appt with also—he’s at the Orlando Orthopaedic Center and they have offices on sandlake and downtown. He’s a marathoner and helped me so much!

  • sarah October 17, 2008, 4:02 pm

    oh man, that sucks. i get sad when bad MD experiences give the rest of us a bad name! i personally have also had some bad sports med encounters, so i do know how you feel. that said, i think that it is important not to write off the ‘traditional’ medicine overall. it might be worth finding both someone who practices complementary medicine as well as another traditional dr. there are even a few who do both — although they are few and far between. i hope that someday i will give people GOOD doctor’s office experiences, and i find your post motivating for me career-wise (even though endocrinology isn’t exactly sports med!)

  • Angie Eats Peace October 17, 2008, 5:13 pm

    I so agree with you about Western medicing. I am glad you are seeking another opinon, and I hope it all works out for you!

  • Caitlin (see bride run) October 17, 2008, 7:25 pm

    jenna- thanks!!! after my bone scan, i will make an appt with dr. funk!

    sarah- thanks for being open to my comments and receptive. 🙂 i’m sure you’ll be a much better doctor!

  • Claire October 17, 2008, 7:50 pm

    Sorry you had a bad (multiple!) experience. I was about to say please don’t put this characteristic on all doctors but you made your final “note!” I personally think that one of my strengths is my bedside manner…but then again, I’m planning on doing pediatrics, so I think there is a bit of a different personality there as compared to adult docs and ESPECIALLY surgeons (which an ortho doc would be!). 🙂 I hope that you get better results from your next appointment. Sounds like that doc didn’t do any research!

  • Andrea (Off Her Cork) October 18, 2008, 6:30 am

    Oh Caitlin, I know exactly what that must have felt like. When I dislocated my knee two years ago, the doctor who I was referred to told me to “just start walking on it normally already!” And that I needed to quit martial arts and “perhaps that just wasn’t the exercise for me. Try a treadmill.” Whaaaa?! It was the worst. I found another doctor who prescribed some PT and now I’m all better. Running and doing TWO martial arts. Ha! I understand your frustration and I too prefer alternative methods myself (for both me and my doggie!). 😀

  • just me October 18, 2008, 7:29 am

    for some reason this post didn’t show up on my reader so i’m not reading it till now!

    i totally know your feeling about western docs/meds as you could see from the GI issues that i’ve been having. but i had the same thing when i was training for the marathon may 2007. my calves were just so painful all the time and everyone told me to stop running, all the doctors that is. but my coach told me to cross train and sub out my runs for aqua-jogging. I ended up training in the pool for a good month, doing the same running workouts (speed, fartlicks, distance, everything) in the water which they were doing on land, and was still able to keep up the endurance i got from running.

    i’m sure everything will work out and i think the choices you are making totally rock.

    best of luck hun!

  • RhodeyGirl/Sabrina October 18, 2008, 10:45 am

    i agree completely about the western doc thing. i have just given up on trusting their opinions, as the only suggestions they ever have are to take medicine or have surgery, seriously?

  • Anonymous October 19, 2008, 11:41 am

    Hi, I would like to suggest that you see a sports medicine doc that runs. They will know your passion and get you back to running ASAP.

    I had plantar fascitis in my foot when I trained for my first marathon and went to a podiatrist. He was not a runner and immediately told me to stop running and he said that there was no way I would be able to run a marathon. He also wanted me to spend a ton of money on orthotics.
    I wanted a second opinion and I did not want to quit running or stop my training.

    I then found a podiatrist who was a marathon runner and he was wonderful. I had a little therapy and a prescription and the plantar fascitis disappeared. I then ran the marathon and I have not had plantar fascitis since.

    I know your probs. are different than mine but I really think seeing a running doc. makes such a huge difference.

    I belong to USAFit which is a marathon training program. Orlando has one so if you go to Orlandofit.com check out their discussion boards and you can probably find a good doc. that they recommmend in Orlando.
    Also, if you ever want to tackle a full marathon one day I recommend their training program. It is great.

  • Caitlin (see bride run) October 19, 2008, 12:42 pm

    anon – thanks for the advice!! i’m so glad to hear you were able to run the marathon. i am definitely going to get a second opinion and will check out that site. THANK YOU!

  • Oh She Glows April 8, 2009, 2:42 pm

    I’m sorry about the news. I find GP’s are often like that with sports injuries, thats why I went to a Sports Medicine doc…she was awesome. I hope your news is good!!! Fingers crossed for ya 🙂

  • Lexie May 13, 2009, 6:37 pm

    I have the same complaint with doctors. It’s like they ask you a question, but they are already going on to the next subject before you answer completely. I leave the doctor every time feeling very frustrated and like I did not accomplish anything. I went to the doctor before for my knees as well (they hurt so bad when I run, but I love to run), but my xrays came back fine.

    Did you say you take supplements to help? Which ones?

  • Gail October 25, 2010, 7:10 am

    Thanks for sharing your life, your great food photos, your fitness passion is an inspiration.

  • Lee @ in the pink of condition June 16, 2011, 9:19 pm

    I’m sorry to hear about your horrible experience! Hopefully he didn’t mean that he wanted you to stop running forever, just for a little while. Inflammation is tough to manage, because if you are constantly pounding on your knees, you really are just going to perpetuate the inflammation. I have suffered from a lot of injuries from running over the years, including an MCL tear, PFPS, piriformis syndrome, stress fractures, and plantar fascitis. I know how debilitating injuries can be, especially when you are training for an important race, but rest is really crucial to recovery, even if it means taking off 6 months to a year. My Dad gave me the best advice when he told me, “You aren’t only running for tomorrow, you are running for the rest of your life. Think long term.” So now, every time I have an injury or setback, I think about the long term and realize that I want to be the grandma in the race beating all the young ones! Hope this advice helps 🙂

Healthy Tipping Point