Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Gotta Do It

It's now been exactly 6 weeks since I last ran a step and my foot has not improved. Yes, I have good days, but if I do anything that involves my foot – even to small degree, like walking or yard work – it aches badly the next day or two.

I think I've pinpointed the problem. From all I've read, the symptoms match those of posterior tibial tendonitis, with a side of anterior tibial tendonitis thrown in for good measure (and possibly some ligament damage). Overuse and, likely, overpronation are the causes (hard downhill running probably put it over the top). As I learned during my first physical therapy stint back in June, my right foot does pronate more than my left.

So...even though finances are tight, I've convinced my wife that this is a pretty serious problem. If untreated, I've read, the arch can deteriorate and the tendons can rupture (if they haven't already). Insurance-wise, I'm not terribly far from meeting my deductible anyway.

Right now I'm deciding on who I want see. There's a local sports podiatrist that looks promising. There's also a sports chiro in Bellevue that might be an option (although it would involve a lot of driving), as well as a sports therapist at the UW (again, lots of driving & traffic hassles). There's a good chance I'll need orthotics. I would also wager that I may be in a walking boot for awhile, too.

The layoff from running has been tough, but the last week or so has been particularly difficult. The fact that there's no sign of improvement is getting depressing. I miss running terribly. I don't want to define myself solely as a runner, but it is (was) a big part of my life. Also the fact that I quit running a few years ago thinking I'd never run again makes this especially tough...kind of a "here we go again" deal.

I know I'll get through this and back to running eventually. I'm not giving up hope. Just having a tough time coping with it. Thanks for all your encouragement...and for watching my goofy videos. There WILL be more of those...

14 comments:

  1. Hang in there buddy! I wish I could help but I only know good "socialist" doctors up here.

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  2. Chin up Colin! Hang in there, I hope your doctor visit goes well and you can get to the status "on the mend"

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  3. I had shoulder surgery with a resulting 8 months off and now I'm back to everything. I know how you feel...6 weeks, pfffftt, you got this :) Wishing you the best!

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  4. I've been living (and running!) with posterior tibial tendonitis for many years, and it's caused by my over-pronation. I used to wear arch supports back before there were so many options for shoes with good stability. I'm not a doctor, so I'm not trying to hand out medical advice, but I can tell you that in the past I have had success with rest and anti-inflammatory meds (ibuprofen) when the tendons swell up. But, as long as I wear good stabilizing shoes or inserts, the tendonitis stays away. Best of luck to you!

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  5. I appreciate the comments! Brian, I'm sorry to hear you've had the same issues, but I'm glad to know you've found a way to manage it and keep running. That's very encouraging. I hope to do the same.

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  6. Colin - Yikes! Sorry you haven't seen any progress. I was also hoping that you had. I like your plan forward with a good sports-oriented podiatrist (revealing my bias I'd avoid a therapist or a chiro until first you saw a professional), and hopefully nearly having met your deductible will take away some of the financial sting.

    Not to make light of what I'm certain is a very frustrating experience, but it seems that there's got to be a parody of a popular song in your situation somehow :-D

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  7. Colin. I'm super bumming for you. If you want to save $150, I can send you my walking boot. It fits either leg.

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  8. Colin. I just fractured a rib and am facing an undetermined time off from running. Reading the fact that you haven't been running in 6 weeks and are still (reasonably) sane is actually helping me come to terms with the time off. Hang in there, even in injury you're an inspiration.

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  9. Byron,
    Emphasis on the "reasonably"! Thanks for the kind words.
    Sorry to hear about your rib. Man, that's gotta hurt. Just read your blog entry. You have the right attitude. Do what you can (I do upper body work right now) and let your body heal. I hope you can get back out there before too long.

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  10. Hey Byron - I feel your pain! My right foot pronates more than my left too. One suggestion for you is to see a specialist who is either a runner themself, or has experience treating runners. I once saw a podiatrist that told me I could never run further than 5 miles (I showed him!), while specialists who run know that you just want to get back to training. Good luck with the recovery process.

    - Fitz.

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  11. All the best Colin, I know this is very tough for you, but I'm sure you will get things sorted out. The best is to stay in shape with some other exercise. This should keep you sane a little longer. Good luck!

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  12. Colin,

    I have a walking boot you could use. My insurance didn't cover a crappy night splint that would up costing me $100 out of pocket.

    If you can use the one I have and save some $$, I'd be happy to send it your way.

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  13. Well, posterior tibialis, anterior tibalis, navicular stress fracture, whatever it is, I wish you a speedy diagnosis and recovery.

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  14. Bleh, I hear you man. I really do. I remember calling my wife while in San Diego after doing a 1 mile run and gimping back home. I might have had a few tears in my eyes (ok, def did) when I told her that I knew something was up and I had to spend money to make it better.

    But, as I am sure you know, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, sometimes you just have to keep digging to find it.

    This post was a needed repreve from all of the laugh/pee inducing skits. Now, back to the skits.

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