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June 18, 2007
One medical opinion down...
I woke up hot and pretty much stayed that way all day, especially when I was outside (which, luckily, was not much). The temperature was already almost 90 by 10:30 a.m. and the air was thick as can be. I drove to work/the gym today because I had a chiropractor appointment at lunch and although it is Metro-accessible, Georgetown really isn't when you are trying to get somewhere quickly. Anyway, I started out on the elliptical today but noticed my knee/quad pain too much, so I switched to the stationary bike, where I did intervals to break up the monotony. A lot of it dragged, but I am pretty used to knowing I have a lot of time left in my cross-training workout when I already feel like I can't stand it after 5 minutes, so I made it through. My hamstrings and butt are very sore from the lower body stuff I did yesterday, although much, much more so on the left because that side actually is normal.
Last time I went to this chiropractor was my first visit, so it was basically an assessment (and I was feeling good then.) Today, I had electric stim for ten minutes (I just had the tech put it on my knee in various places because I'm not sure where my pain is coming from) and then Dr. Mike checked me out. He did a few "tests" of the ligaments in the knee and said I tested positive for a mild (grade 1) medial collateral ligament strain, which is near the pes anserine bursa, I guess. I was kind of surprised because it's not like I did anything in the past week or so to cause that much damage (I don't think)...it is pretty unusual for runners to have ligament strains in the knee, but I suppose it could happen. Dr. Mike was glad to hear that I have an orthopedist appointment tomorrow, which is kind of disconcerting. He also pointed out that my knee is quite swollen ("You have two totally different knees," is how he put it.) I haven't noticed the swelling but that would make sense considering the stiffness and limited range of motion I have. I am kind of freaked out about it because Dr. Mike mentioned that the orthopod might want to drain the fluid...eeew! How did I get to this point?? But before I completely freak out, I will wait to get the orthopedist's opinion.
I guess it is possible that I did strain something when I fell running back in the beginning of April, although nothing in particular bothered me except the cuts and bruises. Maybe I reinjured it somehow?? Just a theory but I might be making too much of it.
I lifted after work tonight and in addition to my upper body stuff did a few straight leg lifts that Dr. Mike suggested--just lying on the ground, no weights or machines or anything. I'll try anything as long as it isn't painful.
I really, really hope that this orthopedist--who is supposed to be a knee specialist, by the way--has something insightful to say. I'll prepare myself for the worst (major restriction of activity) but hope for the best.
Posted by becky at June 18, 2007 9:05 PM