On Tuesday, I announced that I ran 2.5 pain-free miles. Ehh, so what. Well, if you’ve been reading Nutrition Nut for a while, you may have seen me mention something or two about my troubling right knee.
Way back when – December 2, 2012 to be exact – I woke up with rather significant pain in my right knee. I don’t remember a particular event the day before, or even that week, that may have been the source of my injury; but, in those days, I was being a bit ridiculous (if I think about it now) with my exercise regimen. I was training for a 10K race and enamored with CrossFit (I completed five WODs that week in addition to my 10K training). I felt my exercise was somewhat balanced; yet, in reality, I was “over-doing it.”
I won’t recap the past nine months of my first sports injury. For one, this isn’t meant to be a pity post; and two, it would be a bore of read anyway. Instead, I want to give an update on my knee by highlighting the pros of this injury. As I said, this is my first athletic-related injury. I feel fortunate that I haven’t encountered any others until now; but, nonetheless, it’s still a drag to be sidelined from your favorite pastimes.
In the last nine months…
- I have seen 2 primary care doctors, 2 physical therapists, 2 orthopedic surgeons, 1 manual therapist, and 1 acupuncturist.
- I have had 1 x-ray, 1 MRI, 9 physical therapy sessions, and countless tapings.
- I have purchased 2 different knee braces, 1 foam roller, 1 pair of running shoes, 1 pair of orthotics, and many bags of Trader Joe’s frozen peas.
And guess what… after all that, my knee pain is still a mystery. I find in peculiar that both orthopedic surgeons (and PTs) couldn’t diagnose what is up inside. Doctors have all the answers, right? And a $1,270 photo of my knee has to show something… something! Wrong. The body is a complicated piece of machinery, and I’ve concluded that there is something to say about rest vs. the many methods of Western medicine.
Determined to maintain my fitness through an injury, I stubbornly pushed through the discomfort for months. I returned to the box after a 10-week hiatus and trotted through early morning roommate runs. The situation wasn’t progressing; I felt as though I was just spinning my wheels and not traveling down a road to recovery.
That was it: the gym membership was cancelled, and my running shoes turned into walking shoes. I had to trust myself and my body that letting go of intense physical activity was acceptable. It wasn’t a forever type of deal.
After my appointment last week with the second orthopedic surgeon, I am finally finding peace in the situation. There have been countless tears and bouts of frustration as I searched for an answer that wasn’t to be found. Of course, I wish someone – somewhere – could have given me an answer along the way; but, alas, my wallet needs a break from trying to find one. The second doc didn’t think cutting me open was the right solution at this point in time, while the first doc was willing to do exploratory orthoscopic surgery for my lateral meniscus that “looks funny.”
Because we can’t pinpoint the problem, I’m going to stick with my plan of more R&R. Once I disciplined myself to stop running completely, I’ve felt slight improvement that leaves me hopeful — the pain has minimized, and while my range of motion is limited, I’m still highly mobile.
One year with minimal running, and less exercise overall, is better than an expensive, unpromising surgery in my book. At least this injury has been a lesson in disguise…
The Pros of My Knee Injury
I have learned to be patient with my body.
I have learned to appreciate walking and 10:00 minute-mile pace runs.
I have learned to not take running for granted.
I have learned the anatomy of my lower extremities.
I have learned that proper footwear is key: fit > fashion.
I have learned to better budget my bank account, as I paid off said medical expenses listed above.
I have learned to love planks and push-ups.
I have learned that going “gym-less” does not directly correlate to turning into a couch potato.
* * *
Have you dealt with a sports-related injury?
Have you had any knee troubles? If so, what helped your recovery?
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I am going through the EXACT same thing with a lower back injury… Over the past year I have seen more than 6 doctors and no one can figure it out. It sucks because I really wanna try crossfit, and exercise was really my favorite thing to do. However, I overdid it as well last fall and it has given me a new appreciation for taking needed rest. I have had some relief with active release therapy, if you’ve never tried it. However, my insurance doesn’t cover it and I’ve learned to just deal with the injury rather than spend a fortune now that the therapy has gotten it to a manageable point. Now I’m not working out as I used to, but I’ve come to terms with it. And I never really liked running, so I’ve decided it’s a blessing I can’t run lol. Good luck!!
I agree — Active Release Technique (ART) is incredible. It does wonders.
Sigh, I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with this. I’ve had three injuries that have sidelined me for 6+ months, my most recent injury over a year! So, I have been there. I have also learned similar things, definitely number one being to never take running (or anything our body can do for that matter) for granted. I think it’s wise to stay away from surgery. I really think most injuries can be cured with proper shoes, rest and a foam roller (or lax ball, in my case).
It’s funny when you’re caught up in the moment of training, or a fun new exercise regime, you don’t realize how far you’re pushing your body. But then you look back and you’re like shoot, that was probably too much. The more injuries I go through, the better I’m getting at knowing in the moment “I’m overdoing it”, even if I technically can keep going/push through.
I think you’re going about your knee problem in a very intelligent way. Getting some R & R now, like you said, could make a world of difference in the future!
Hillary, thank you so much for this post! I’ve been dealing with a “mystery knee injury” for over a year now, and it has been so difficult!!! I’ve seen several doctors, sports doctors, and physical therapists; done 2 expensive treatments; and have had 1 MRI and 1 x-ray (showing nothing). I haven’t been able to run, bike, or elliptical, and at some points even walk. On top of it being discouraging, it has been a scary thing for me as well–as someone who is in recovery for an eating disorder, not being able to exercise has been extremely hard. I’ve had to trust that I can still eat and enjoy food and I won’t gain weight and my body will be ok.
I try to look at the positives of this situation, many of which match up with yours. Because of this injury…
-I do not take for granted being able to run/dance/jump
-I appreciate what my injury-free body has been able to do!
-I have started to break my addiction to exercise
-I’m learning to trust my body
-I’ve learned to swim for exercise (HUGE one!)
-I’ve learned to do pull-ups and have worked on upper-body strength
-Instead of a focus on hard-core exercise, I see movement as being what’s important (yay for walks!)
Ideally I would love to run again, but for now, I’m trying to make the best of it and trust it will all work out. Thank you again! It’s so encouraging to have someone who understands!
Kath –
Thank you so much for your comment. It is entirely refreshing to connect with others. I totally understand what you’re going through and sympathize. It looks like you’ve learned some wonderful lessons, as well, as a result of your injury. There is always good with the bad :) I hope a complete recovery finds its way to you soon. Take care.
If you read my blog, I definitely have my share of pity party posts, so please feel free to e-mail me if you get frustrated! After two years of complaining to everyone about my knee injury, I will listen to anyone until they can’t talk about it anymore. <3 I'm still dealing with mine, as well, after 6 surgeries, so you're smart to hold off as long as you can! I had an MRI for my other knee and it came up clean, but I think I have a plica/runner’s knee issue. It's a pain and it is hefty on the wallet. I am so thankful for my parents, but feel extremely guilty at times, too. It's amazing what you can learn about yourself through an injury. Sometimes it is a blessing in disguise!
6 surgeries on 1 knee!? Eek… do you know the cause(s) of your injuries?
A knee injury can definitely be devastating to athletes, but the way you are handling it and staying positive about your situation is incredibly uplifting! Don’t give up hope!
I have had a frustrating knee injury as well (my right knee, too, actually). I went to two doctors, two physical therapists etc… It started a year and a half ago when I was training for my first marathon. (I ran my first half in March 2010.) The first doctor (2 separate visits) kept telling me it was probably tendinitis and to rest. I was also having issues with my ankle at the time and was in PT for that. It got so bad with my ankle and knee that I just stopped running for a year and found other ways to stay in shape (cycling, elliptical, pure barre, HIIT workouts, etc.). I had come to the conclusion that running might just not be my thing. This year, though, I got the itch to start running again. I had been running since 7th grade and didn’t want to give it up. The knee pain returned and I went to another doctor. They said it was patellofemoral syndrome (aka runner’s knee) and I went to PT, stopped training (another race missed, this one a half marathon that I turned into a 5K), and tried to get things back to normal. I did my PT exercises for awhile, but PT is expensive, so I stopped going. I bought a foam roller, and that, ice, and stretching have been my best friends. I am now training for my second half marathon and things are going pretty well. When my knee flares up, I know I need to rest it a day or two, foam roll and ice. I try to foam roll and stretch everyday and that has really helped. I am also focusing on warm up/cool down stretches and exercises to prevent further injuries. I think my knee will always be a bit uncomfortable, but I have worked on my alignment when running and strengthening my glutes (the real problem that’s causing it, or so they tell me) to help with it as well.
Hope you find out what is wrong and what will work for you! I found that the doctors were just expensive and not helpful for me. I just got the same wish washy answers.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I have an inclination that I could be suffering from Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, too… preferable over a torn meniscus or such, in my opinion. You’ve encouraged me to use my foam roller more frequently — thank you & good luck with training :)
Having run myself to three stress fractures in a 1.5 year span, I’ve learned (the hard way) to value what rest and good fuel can do for the body. I’ve also realized the importance of weight-training and HIIT and am SO hooked! I’ve kinda broken up with the whole long-duration cardio thing, for now. The only reason I’d run a half again would be to beat my times from when I considered myself a ‘runner’. Since having put on muscle, I am faster, stronger and have ten times more power than I did in my cardio queen days through college.
I can relate to you completely in regards to the weight training and HIIT. Once I began incorporating those into my workouts routinely, I became a much faster/stronger runner. Yay for muscles :)
I had the same thing with a pain in the bottom of my foot two years ago. I couldn’t run at all for about 4 months and it took more than a year to go away completely. I had x-rays and and an MRI and never did find out what the problem was. I too, learned a lot during my forced hiatus from running.
Good luck!
I also thought your picture was hilarious because I’m sitting here reading your post with a package of Trader Joe’s frozen peas on my shin.
I know being injured is upsetting, but it seems like you are approaching it in a really healthy way. Stay patient! Some days will be harder than others, but just keep the long term picture in mind!
Good luck with the knee!!!! Sounds like R&R and lots of rolling might be the answer.
P.S. Do you have tight hip flexors or hammies? I hear that is often the root of knee problems?
Sure do – I certainly think that is a contributing factor.
I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through this, but it sounds like you’ve reached a good place of acceptance. I, too, had a “mystery” knee injury training for my last half marathon last summer, and after x-rays, PT sessions, a MRI, etc., my doctor said it was structurally fine. It ended up going away over time, and I think aggressive foam rolling helped a lot; it was still frustrating. I also developed a mystery foot injury over the winter which caused me to miss a half marathon and stop running for a few months. Again, x-rays and MRI were normal. PT helped a ton, but there was never a diagnosable “this is wrong with your foot” statement. It was so frustrating and I totally know where you’re coming from. I hope it continues to feel better! You’ll be back to running soon enough! This isn’t forever.
Hehe, I’ve totally been searching for the “this is wrong with your knee” statement. It is frustrating when those expensive images don’t have an answer for us, but hopefully that means there isn’t something significantly damaged. I think “aggressive” foam rolling sounds like the way to go. Thanks for your comment!
I’ve also had a few injuries caused by running, but mine were foot related. For people like us, where fitness is such a part of our daily lives, and even part of how we identify ourselves, it can be REALLY hard to give yourself a break. Especially with a career path that is in the health field, I found myself feeling guilty about not being able to practice what I preach. Nonetheless, I have learned some awesome lessons – the importance of rest, the fact that awful, horrible, things will NOT happen if I can’t workout every day. I’ve learned to vary my workouts, and live an overall more balanced life. It is so hard at the time, and seems to be all that you can think about, but in the end, I am grateful. Looking back, those injuries helped in mending my relationship with food and exercise and will make me a better and more relatable dietitian and personal trainer in the future. :)
I love your perspective, Paige! Exercise is certainly one way that I identify myself, so I’ve felt as though a big piece of me has been missing the past nine months. And yes, our injury experiences do make us more relatable. Now I have a taste of what other athletes go through when sidelined from their hobbies/careers.
An injury can be a total slap in the face, but it ultimately teaches you to be grateful for your health. Lots of deep tissue massages and stretching may help a mystery injury. When I ran a half marathon, I limped the last seven miles due to my knee hurting because my calves were SO TIGHT! I hope it’s fully healed soon.
Thanks, Taylor :)
When I was a competitive dancer, I pulled my hamstring which led to me developing patella general syndrome in my left knee. It is common among girl athletes. I was out of commission for 5 months and had to do about 4 months of PT. It was rough and frustrating, but eventually I worked through and healed. I know you will, too, just keep listening to your body!
Huh, I haven’t heard of that. Glad you’re healed :)
Patella Femoral Syndrome (not general)! Sorry auto-correct on the phone!
Gotcha! Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome :)
Girl, I feel your pain! I’m in the midst of a sports injury myself. Like you, mine couldn’t be diagnosed… for awhile at least. After a doc telling me my foot pain was just plantar fasciitis, then being told the foot pain was a symptom of an old calf injury (oh joy!), I finally got an x-ray and MRI done to figure out what the heck was really going on. Turns out I have sesamoiditis, which is when the tendons in tiny bones in my foot are inflamed, and one of the bones is believed to be fractured. And I had been working out on it for about a year – no wonder why the pain wasn’t going away, but was instead getting progressively worse.
So, I know how frustrating it can be. Just hang in there and keep thinking positively! Sending lots of healing vibes your way! :)
Thanks – right back at ya!
Nicole, what is the treatment for that?
Ironically, my back injury flared up in December 2012, as well. After – similarly – too many doctors, chiropractic and physical therapy appointments, and countless amounts of ice, heat, and rest, I am still injured. Glad to see you’re finding some peace with this! I am still looking for peace. Being so active normally makes it difficult to take a 9 month “rest” period. Hang in there, though! I’ve heard yoga can do wonderful things to the body, and while currently yoga helps my back but hurts my knees (yes, I have knee problems, too, haha), it might be something that would benefit you greatly. Best of luck!
Yoga can do wonderful things for the body. If only I was disciplined to practice it more. I have limited range of motion in my right knee – limiting various yoga poses – but I do know the connecting muscles/tendons/ligaments are in dire need of quality stretching. Happy healing :)
Have you heard of Airrosti Rehab before? They do deep tissue rehab and claim to heal most of their patients in 3 visits or less! I’ve used them for some injuries in the past and they really are amazing. Check them out here – http://www.airrosti.com!
No, I have not – thanks for the info.
I went through the same thing with my hip injury. I had piriformis syndrome that was pinching my sciatic nerve and it was so frustrating not being able to run like I used to for almost 2 years. I finally sat down and made myself take four complete months off, bought new and different shoes, did different activities and, with every finger crossed, I’m now back to running with no pain. I’m still very careful, but by getting over that stubborn runner syndrome and my unhealthy need to exercise, exercising is so much more enjoyable; and, well, by studying what was wrong am able to see everything in such a different light! I’m glad you’ve gotten to this point of acceptance with your injury, it’s going to make taking the time off easier to do and make going back to running that much better! Best of luck, Hillary!
Thanks, Melissa, for sharing your story — gives me hope :)