Monday, September 14, 2009

Pump It Up!

I want to thank everyone for their wonderful comments in regards to my knee. I appreciate all your ideas as to what I should do next. I am trying to stay positive about this and not let my non-existense running get the best of me. It is very hard with this time of year being my favorite time to run. It's just so much easier then biking and swimming... you can just go out there... and run.

Anyway.

I am still trying to decide when I should see a PT/Orthopeodic/Chiropractor. I just don't know if I should schedule something now - OR - continue to take an extended absence from running, ease back into it, and then see if the knee issue is still present.

Any thoughts?

In the meantime, I am keeping myself busy with swimming and biking, and adding in some other stuff as well. In fact, this afternoon I took a BodyPump class at the gym. It was a great workout that combined cardio and strength. Imagine a 60 minute Jillian's shred workout. Ummm, yeah. I left there feeling like Gumby. We did do a lot of lunges and it didn't seem to bother my knees. I think as long as you really focus on sticking your butt out and putting all of your weight on your heels, you are in good shape! I am sure I will be sore tomorrow!

23 comments:

IzzyBubbles said...

If it were me, I would go to PT/ortho/whatever pronto...then again, as I'm typing I realize that I had a hip issue a few months ago and kept saying I was going to call my PT and never did. So do as I say, not as I do, I guess! I think if you can get started down the road of figuring out what's wrong, you might get a little less stir-crazy in the meantime.

Badgergirl said...

I don't have any advice to offer - never had any knee issues (knock on wood). Crossing my fingers for you that you figure out how to address it soon!

The BodyPump? That sounds brutal.

X-Country2 said...

I'm pretty anti-chiro, but I know some people who swear by their guy. Good luck and get well soon!

tri_al said...

great news, stay away from the running + focus on the stuff that doesn't hurt for now!!

J said...

Go see the PT sooner rather than later. I had to wait because I couldn't get an appointment with my dr until the first week of September (i scheduled it at the end of July) so i would just try to get in as soon as you can because then you will find out whats up and even if they tell you to rest then at least you got a drs opinion!

Wes said...

It might cost a few dollas, but it sounds like a definitive answer is a must!!

Jess said...

Lunges were something that had me work up to PT for my knee so if you're already able to do them that's a good sign! Maybe the BodyPump class will help build up those muscles and get that knee stabilized!

Marlene said...

I'd go get it checked out ASAP if you can.

Glad you're enjoying some cross-training in the mean time, but I totally understand being bummed that you can't run right now.

Hang in there, chicky!

Carolina John said...

an ortho guy will just tell you to not run for a while longer. pt and chiro folks will try to get you running again faster. i wouldn't hesitate to go chiro now, i'm going to see mine tomorrow. PT might keep you out of the running shoes longer than chiro will. but i'm sure pt will work.

RunToTheFinish said...

oh lots of lunges always make my ass hurt, seriously! Way to go on finding other ways to get the endorphins and stay in shape

Aron said...

good luck with the knee!!! great job keeping a positive attitude and finding other ways to keep at the working out. hope you get the knee figured out soon!

Holly said...

I have no advice to give about your knee, but I'm sending "get better" thoughts your way. Great job on staying active in other ways besides running! Don't forget that is an accomplishment!

Jess said...

Personally, I would see an ortho, get a confirmed diagnosis, and you can treat the diagnosis with visits to the PT or chiro if you choose. It's my opinion that either of the latter are for treatment, not diagnosis.

And, again, just my opinion, but I think I would go to the dr. pronto. The wait and see game can just extend your time off/recovery time. Athletes often seem reluctant to visit a dr, but rest assured, I think a visit would be the best thing so that you have a plan for moving forward. Otherwise, it's kinda like feeling around in the dark.

Runner Leana said...

Honestly, you've rested and it hasn't helped so that wouldn't be my recommendation. If you can find someone who specializes in Active Release Techniques then go. Anytime I have a niggle in my knee, calf, shin, hip, piriformis it has worked wonders for me. Check out their website to find a practitioner in your area. I like Jess's advice too though - as an ortho should help to give you a diagnosis.

Good luck!

Runner Leana said...

Ultimately, if you can see someone who is an athlete that is best as they will understand your need to get back to activity quickly!

Unknown said...

pilates or yoga are good to add in teh mix as well.

Tony said...

You have such a great attitude about this and an incredible sense of motivation keep it up.

Marci said...

Just catching up... sorry to read about your knee. I would see a PT.

Anonymous said...

Def get the PT started. And, if you find that you have picked up enough knowledge from the sessions, then move onto self PT...but yeah..most definitely get to a specialist.

Anne said...

Like everyone's already said, it certainly can't hurt to get a professional opinion. I know what you mean about being sidelined just when the weather improves. Sigh.

Kevin said...

It would probably be a good idea to see an ortho sooner then late to at least get a firm diagnosis.

Have you tried a foam roller?

Being Robinson said...

i would go to PT/ortho as soon as you can. i kept putting off the nagging pain in my left leg, and foot and now i'm on stress fx row again ;( boo. happy healing, and let yourself rest lady! easier said than done, i'm a perfect example of that ;)

Sarah said...

Good advice here - I hope it feels better soon. I had to deal with knee stuff and I know it's SUCH a pain, no pun intended. PT really helped me, I learned how to strengthen my hip and butt muscles, which seems to help.