Just back from my physio session which was designed to diagnose and fix the pain around the top outside of my calf which has plagued my running, on and off, since 2 December. Typically it failed to show up today! Physio was straight on it though.
It looks as though the peroneal nerve and the head of the fibula are playing a part, together with the tissues down the outside of my calf, around the head of the fibula and in my lower hamstring which are more dense than they should be. Common enough in older runners, which for these purposes was defined as north of 30. Very diplomatic!
This was my first experience of vibration and cupping therapy; 😰! I thought that leg hair was the source of the pain, but physio cheerfully told me that hair was only a minor part of it and it would get worse as we proceeded! I like honesty....most of the time! On a scale of 1 to 10 I would give it a 5, with a 10 being boiled in oil 🙂. Feels ok now though; just a few funny red circles on my leg!
I have been given ankle flexibility exercises and some massage ball work on the calf as homework.
So, day off tomorrow and then back to 5k on Thursday and build up from there; I hope. Physio asked me to check in by e.mail in two weeks from now just to let him know how things are going. I am just going to get on with the exercises and hope for the best. At least I have a plan.👍
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I was at my usual physio’s practice. I have never experienced cupping before, or even thought about it, but I noticed a cupping certificate on the wall, amongst the degrees and MScs. It wasn’t presented as anything out of the ordinary.
Holy cow, that sounds painful BC! You could surely have Anatomy of the Leg as your specialist subject in Mastermind now couldn’t you? 🤓
It’s good she spotted something to work with, and as long as you’re diligent with your exercises (which we all know you are 😀😇), hopefully you’ll be be able to build up your running, all ready for the spring and summer. 🤞 🏃♂️ 😀
Thanks cheeky. I just like to understand the body mechanics when I have an injury so that I can see what the exercises are trying to do. Physios always use technical language anyway. You are right that I have probably covered the whole left leg by now though! If I can hit 10k again in March, I will be happy; then look out HM here I come!For now; I just have to keep doing the exercises every day 👍
Good luck Tasha. I just approach the pain thing stoically. I have confidence that they know what they are doing; I want the problem fixing and so I grin and bear it! 😬
Fingers crossed BC! Like you, I much prefer to understand what is going on at an anatomical level. Being able to visualise what is happening helps me stick with physio exercises and calms my mind when mentally scanning my legs to analyse what effect a run is having. I also prefer the massage sessions that hurt to those that don't- feels like something has ben identified and that there's been progress (of sorts). Hopefully your session has loosened the calf up nicely and you'll be springing through that 5k like a 30 year old!!!
Thanks Linda. Just about to complete my 3x daily ankle flexibility exercises; looking for a piece of wall where any marks left will not be seen by Mrs BC!!😈
Are the exercises easily describable BC? Although my ankle/sidelowerleg niggles are way better, I can't in all honesty say they have vanished!!! I'm doing some Caroline Jordan exercises, but variety is always welcome!
That's a really cool link! Thanks. I've bookmarked that. You should put a post over on the S&F forum. CBDB can then 'file it' where people can find it 😊
Nothing sophisticated; seated on the floor, legs out in front, using towel or theraband to pull toes/ ball of foot back towards you.
Sitting with one ankle crossed over the other knee. Move foot up and down to stretch ankle and push harder at the end of the ranges.
Stand facing a wall, raise toes on affected foot as high as possible and rest against the wall (heel on floor) ; start with a calf stretch then lock knee to increase stretch.
Put a massage ball against outside of calf, and press it into a wall, moving the ball back and forth and then repeat over the whole length of the calf. This bit is for the peroneals.
Yes, thank you!!! and good luck! I do something similar with a massage ball but do it on the floor, with the other foot crossed over the leg being massaged - that way there's lots of pressure on the muscles
I agree about the pain. If tissue is really tightened up, releasing it must involve some pain. In this case it was the duration of the treatment which took me by surprise with three levels of pain building up from ok to ouch. I will know next time.
Ooh that’s one treatment I haven't had BC, reminds me a bit of leeching if I’m totally honest which puts me off a bit 😳 although a therapist started cupping on my back once but as I had only booked a massage I was a bit puzzled by this different approach 🤔
Anyway, it all sounds like a plan and we runners like a plan don't we? It all sounds positive especially given you can run 5K so soon. Fingers crossed for a good recovery 🤞
There are a few bruises and the skin is a bit sore; if it helps to sort out the problem, I can put up with a bit of pain. Looking forward to a run tomorrow. 🙂
Sometimes the cure is more painful than the problem, isn’t it? If it starts to sort it out, though, it will be worth it. Surely older runners are those over 70 (apologies to anybody I have now insulted 🤭) Mr S had cupping for his post shingles nerve pain - it does look strange and, while not curing it, it did alleviate some of the pain. Good luck and fingers crossed for your 5k
Thanks Sandie. You have avoided insulting me by one year and 12 days ( although I am only 17 really). 🙂 I specifically asked what he meant by older runners and he said over 30’s 🤷🏻♂️ He denied just saying it for reasons of diplomacy....but who knows? You are right though; if this works I will forget the pain. Worth it.
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Well, that's 10K (back) in the bag!
A tough 10 miles...but a job well done!
Half Marathon training going well 😍
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Ah well...there’s always next year...
