What a difference an e.mail can make!

[Beachcomber66]

After my moan in the weekly chat about my recurring knee problem, I decided to look on my physio's website to see whether there was any news about reopening. What I read there prompted me to write to her, and she kindly offered to help if I could describe the problem in an e.mail. We both knew that this would be the best steer she could give me without being "hands on". Her response was quick and detailed. Most likely cause is patellofemoral syndrome, combined with the results of a fall. Solution? Heat rather than ice, and moving the kneecap around once the heat has been applied for ten minutes. This generates fluid to oil the joint...or WD 40 on a rusty hinge as she put it....too close to the truth. Loads of foam rollering required and exercises thrown in. Last and best....KEEP RUNNING every other day! So I set off for a 3k trot this morning. The knee felt really uncomfortable for the first 1k and I must admit that I was wondering whether to plod on, but then, magically, it felt normal! Left to my own devices, I would have rested it (again).

So, the usual problem for any runner; "should I run or rest?"is resolved. When I dusted off my roller I found just how tight my legs were generally, and I had also become a bit dehydrated. So now, I have a plan, but this time from someone who knows what she is talking about. The advice was topped by a suggested configuration of KT to keep the kneecap in place. She is golden 😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Yessss, what good news BC, and what a wonderful lady giving you such a quick response to your email. BC on the run again - just as it should be! 🏃🏃

We all know you’re a sensible fellow and won’t go haring off into the sunset, but you’ll take it nice and easy - hey, like I do all the time! - and soon you’ll be able to cut loose. 🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃

Good news indeed! 👏👏👏

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Taking it really carefully this time CC. Had enough interruptions!

[Tasha99 Marathon]

Everyone loves Pippa 😍

[Katnap Marathon]

🎉 woo hoo 🎉

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Well done Beachcomber66. I think our tried and tested physios are only too glad to help if they can, and they really are worth their weight in gold. They are probably at a bit of a loss while not working at the moment too. I know mine is delivering prescriptions to the local Community.

2 weeks after my inJury, I was advised to alternate cold with with hot to get the blood circulating. My gel pack can go in the freezer and the microwave. Saves the Frozen peas for eating!

Keep running steadily and slowly.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I know I know....no more Mr Speedy for a while (if ever!). I was beginning to get worried. At least I can run some distance on Monday; but I am not going to go for a 10 k. I can make up the balance with a walk with Molly.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Fabulous news BC! I was told to keep running despite a horrible pain in my foot, and sure enough it improved. Felt utterly counter intuitive to me, but just goes to show I know nothing 🙄. Here's to more progress.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

That's the kind of advice I like, but you are right, completely counter intuitive. She does try to keep you running if that is at all possible. Time for me to apply the WD40!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Maybe you could share her details!

[JonathanP 10 Miles]

Great news BC - amazing to be able to diagnose virtually! And to be given permission to continue running - just what you wanted to hear!👍

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to JonathanP]

Doesn't get any better than being told I can run. I was fed up with the stop/start. Hopefully things are on the right track now; and I can stop moaning!!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

That’s great news BC! Who would have guessed that more running was part of the answer? 😀🏃‍♂️

I must admit that foam rolling has fixed many a niggle for me over the years, but we just need the assurance from a pro sometimes.

Happy days. Enjoy your runs 🙂

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks IP, for the support and offer of help with a physio. The fact that the trails are rock hard at the moment doesn’t help...time for some new shoes maybe 🤔

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Oooh new shoes..... I’m excited for you 🤗

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

Great news BC! Sounds like you’ve got a very good physio and I have just read that physios can now reopen under new govt rules (although I couldn’t see an actual date!)

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Thanks Sandie. Hopefully they will re-open soon. They are a vital part of the health sector, covering areas with which GPs and hospitals are not resourced to cope.

[Hidden]

Great stuff, and interesting your physio says heat, not ice. I recently read a very long-winded book by Gary Reinl on why we should not use ice and how we got into the habit of icing in the first place. It's altered my opinion on the use of ice and just how the marvellous machine that is us deals with an injury.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

For me, ice is about reducing swelling (people argue pros and cons, but I do it). The heat and massage was about encouraging an increased flow of synovial fluid within my knee joint to, effectively, lubricate damaged surfaces. Just a case of different treatment for a different job.

[Over62 Half Marathon]

Sounds great, amazing information for everyone enjoy your running👍

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

The real lesson learned was always ask a professional 🙂

[Run46 Half Marathon]

How fab, having a physio tell you what you want to hear...good luck BC and at least you can enjoy trying now without worrying you're doing the wrong thing 👍🏃‍♂️

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Run46]

Exactly. 4K today, not niggle free but I trotted along at 6:36 pace. Will try a slow 5k on Saturday to see how that feels. I may try the heat treatment 20 minutes before the run rather than after; help to loosen things up before I start. I am beginning to feel that this is not going to be a quick fix, but I played football with worse as a youth!

[Run46 Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Patience is a virtue and all that!

Don't you just hate that saying when you don't want to be patient 😂