Today I took off from work to handle my 2 appointments, orthodontist and orthopedist. Here's the low down:
Orthodontist
My teeth are doing well with the retainers. I am to continue nighttime-only wear with the bottom retainer, but still have to wear the top one full-time. Boo. I was hoping to go nighttime-only with that one as well! My next appointment is in July, and I hope to be off of full-time wear then.
Orthopedist
I finally caved and made an appointment for my left leg, which has been bothering me since the half marathon. After a lengthy discussion on history and symptoms; analysis of my running shoes; manipulating my leg while standing, sitting, and lying down; testing the kinds of sitting/squatting/hopping activities I can do and rating the pain for each; and finally x-rays; the doctor determined that I have a stress injury to the top of my left tibia, right below the kneecap. To what extent (fracture? how big?) we couldn't tell, but would be able to with additional imaging. I declined the additional tests, though, once he said his treatment is the same either way.
Unfortunately, the treatment (as I'm sure you've guessed) is REST. Boo again. Not complete rest, he clarified. I can do the bike or swimming or walking, but NO RUNNING for 6-8 weeks. I can also continue lifting weights, but I have to skip squats, lunges, and leg press for the time being. In 6-8 weeks I need to schedule a follow-up appointment, but he said the real test will be if I can hop up and down on my left leg 10 times without pain. If I can do that, I am probably fine to go back to running... slowly!
He also recommended that when I'm cleared to run, to go for an analysis at Fit2Run. They will analyze my shoes and my motion and be able to recommend shoes that are the best for me and how my body works. Surprisingly, I've never had this done before, but I think it sounds interesting. I've only been to Fit2Run once, trying to find awesome shirts to wear for the half marathon training. I'm excited to go back! AND if I bring the written recommendation from my doctor, it's worth a discount on shoes if I do end up buying new ones there. How cool is that?
So, for 6-8 weeks, I will continue rockin' that stationary bike and lifting weights. I'm sure I'll be ready to run as soon as I can!!!
Bummer! Having to wait longer to be done with a retainer is no fun, and zero running to boot... You said it: boo! So glad you got a definitive diagnosis and a plan for going forward which includes some at least some of your favourite exercises while you wait for your tibia to heal.
ReplyDeleteThe Fit2Run analysis sounds fascinating - looking forward to hearing all about it when the time comes.