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 π
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Beachcomber66
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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! ππ
We all know youβre a sensible fellow and wonβt go haring off into the sunset, but youβll take it nice and easy - hey, like I do all the time! - and soon youβll be able to cut loose. πππππ
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!
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.
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 π. Here's to more progress.
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!
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!!
Thanks IP, for the support and offer of help with a physio. The fact that the trails are rock hard at the moment doesnβt help...time for some new shoes maybe π€
Great news BC! Sounds like youβve got a very good physio and I have just read that physios can now reopen under new govt rules (although I couldnβt see an actual date!)
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.
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.
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathonβ’ in reply to
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.
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 ππββοΈ
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!
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Slight knee niggles
Up and out...early morning run!ππ½ββοΈπ¦π¦π
18 miles done and we're into tapering