The verdict was in: Patellar Tendinitis
And I was NOT HAPPY...
I left my Podiatrist's office thinking..."what the heck?" and wondering if he really was a quack....I was so convinced that all my knee issues had been because of my insoles, that I was just plain irritated when he said they weren't the culprit...
Turns out: HE WAS RIGHT...Podiatrist 1 :Tammy 0
He put me back on Meloxicam, and said I could try a Patellar strap to see if it helped. I immediately went to have my prescription refilled and headed to Sporty Runner to get my strap. When I got home, I googled PT exercises for patellar tendinitis. Did it work?
YES!!!!!! The strap and exercises helped immediately, and the meds really helped the soreness I already had over several days. I have been doing wall sits/squats, squeezing a ball or my foam roller between my legs, for 30-45 seconds at a time. The recommended amount is to do these exercises 5-10 reps, at least twice a day for 2 weeks, to have 90% relief. I can't say I was that consistent, but it has been a significant improvement. I am continuing to take the Meloxicam and do the exercises and the last 3 runs, I have not had to use my strap!
Most of my runs lately have been pretty awesome. Last week the humidity came back in full force and it was hard all over again, but for the most part, they have been wonderful. Today was my 12 miler. I was nervous because it was the longest run I have done since I got injured last year. I started out slow, with a 5 minute warm-up walk, and 3:1 (running:walking) for the first 6 miles or so. The last 6 miles, I took a 1 minute walk break every 10 minutes. I was a tad sore at the end, but nothing unbearable. Did a lot of stretching, prescribed PT hip exercises, and foam rolling when I got home. My foam roller is my frienemy...
I have decided to forgo doing the Soaring Wings Half Marathon in October and instead, will be doing the Maynard Cohick Bass Pro Half Marathon in November. Cheryl and Kim decided about 1-2 weeks ago to do it, because Cheryl's friend, another Sheryl, missed the deadline to sign up for the Maemphis Half. I was invited to join them. It's been so long since I've done a race with the girls! I won't be running with them, I'm sure, but the road trip should be fun and it will give us all a chance to catch up. I'm coming to terms with my slowness..at least for now. It's just going to hurt me in the long run to punish my body for something I just can't do right now. These days..a successful run is one that leaves me feeling good at the end and without injury!
