It all started in March when I bought a new pair of running shoes: I noticed that my heels were hurting during and after I ran, especially in the morning. In fact, I could hardly walk in the moring. I figured that I just needed to "break in" my new shoes. But 3 months and lots of pain later, I wasn't in a happy place after I ran. And taking pain medicine wasn't an answer; pain is your body telling you something is wrong. This fact made me panicky because I have so many long distance goals next year! So, I sought out a Sports Medicine/Orthopedic Physician, who I thought would be the best way to help recovery. And this is what I found out...
How did this happen?
Our feet are rather complicated; and tendonitis in your feet can be from any stress related event:
- certain antibiotics
- weight gain
- speed training
- quick stops, starts, turns
- twists, sprains
- shoes
- incline training
- muscle cramps/dehydration
- past injuries
- lack of stretching
- hamstring strain
- genetics
For me, the Doctor felt like it was a combination of things, new shoes, speed training, dehydration, not enough stretching, and a history of twisted ankles that built up to my tendonitis.
How were we going to fix it?
1. R E S T ! This is really, really hard for me. I have to ease into running by walking until that feels comfortable, then slowly add running.
2. Anti-inflammatory medicine: I can't take Advil/Motrin because it makes me feel like a swallowed a bucket of nails! So, I've been prescribed Mobic to take once a day for inflammation.
2. The Boot: In order for your tendons to heel properly, they need to be in the right position, just like fixing a broken bone. For you feet, tendons heal at night when you are at rest, and they heal best when kept at a 90 degree angle: hence the boot!
... on both feet! I got absolutely no sleep for 2 weeks. And really no relief: the boot introduced more pain on my bones. The boot is not an option at this point.
3. Shots: Next up was a cortisone shot in each foot. The pain of the shorts was worth the hope of running again! The result was a success on the left foot; but some inflammations remaining in the right foot resulting in minor pain in the achilles and ankle of my right foot. So, not a complete fix either.
4. Physical Therapy: Next up is physical therapy and massage. I'm working on stretching every day, alternating heat and ice, wearing compression, and getting neuromuscular massage. Formal physical therapy would be 3 days a week, but we aren't at that point yet!
5. Nutrition: I made some nutrition changes, such as cutting out bananas and switching protein powders. As it turned out a bad mistake! High protein drinks help me manage my low blood sugar, and earlier this year, I switched to a protein powder that was less expensive by about 20 dollars. The new protein powder was missing 2 important nutrients that were in my old favorite: potassium and magnesium. That move plus not eating bananas, led to severe cramps in my feet which could have been one of the deciding factors in my tendonitis. So, I am back on the old faithful protein powder with a banana thrown in!
5. Nutrition: I made some nutrition changes, such as cutting out bananas and switching protein powders. As it turned out a bad mistake! High protein drinks help me manage my low blood sugar, and earlier this year, I switched to a protein powder that was less expensive by about 20 dollars. The new protein powder was missing 2 important nutrients that were in my old favorite: potassium and magnesium. That move plus not eating bananas, led to severe cramps in my feet which could have been one of the deciding factors in my tendonitis. So, I am back on the old faithful protein powder with a banana thrown in!
6. Patience! Bottom Line... it takes time and I must be patient! I don't want to run just another year - I want to run another 50 years!
I'll be honest with you, I am so worried about gaining weight and getting behind, and even fighting off being depressed. However, I am taking it slow. If I can walk without pain, I can start walk/running and then move into slow running. He said no speed training until I'm fully recovered.
I must head Master Yoda's advice! Because I am #AllinforParis!!
----Have you ever been sidelined? I"d love to hear your story!
kesselrunner77@gmail.com
