Thursday, August 3, 2006

This Just Plain Sucks!

I went to my doctor's appointment this morning and received some depressing news. I saw a different doctor and instead of confirming the diagnosis of bursitis, he is convinced it is something else.

He thinks that I pulled my posterior talotibial ligament. He said it is an unusual injury for a runner, but due to the location of my pain and swelling he is pretty sure that is what has happened.



He actually told me that it would have been better if I had broken my ankle.

Apparently this stubborn little ligament doesn't like to heal!

The typical recovery time for an injury to this ligament is 3 to 6 months. Yikes!

The doctor didn't tell me not to run, but he told me to allow the pain to dictate my activities. If something hurts my ankle at all, then don't do it.

We discussed PT, cortisone shots, referral to an orthopedic doc, and all other options, but it sounds like there really isn't much to do except wait it out. It sounded like the chances of a cortisone shot helping were slim to none, and he didn't think I had done serious enough damage to need surgery.

We discussed my running Chicago. What he said was, "Let's just wait and see what happens." I'm willing to bet that what he was thinking was, "There is no way in hell that this girl is running a marathon is less than 3 months!" But he didn't want to burst all my bubbles at once, since he already told me that the 30K I was going to run on September 2 is out.

So, I suppose I am going to become the cross training queen. Maybe this injury will turn me into a triathlete.

hmm...that means I'd have to learn to like to swim and bike.

Ok, then again, maybe not.

17 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear the bad news. If it helps, I once broke my foot, ankle and tore all the tendons...and was back running in four months. Those ligaments are stubborn, that's for sure. Spunds like I'm not the only one cancelling plans for Chicago. Maybe next year. Take care.

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  2. OMG! I am so sorry! I have had a foot injury - a sprained tendon -which put me out for over a month - lots of swimming and biking during that time.

    Take it one day at a time for now. Listen the ankle and see how it goes. Don't give up yet. Hang in there! We are all here cheering you on.

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  3. Oh my... I hope all is better soon! I am soo sorry to hear that!

    Swimming and biking isnt' all that bad! Sometimes I use those cross training methods too often, and end up coppng out on my runs!

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  4. I'm sorry to hear about your ankle. I would give the doctor the benfit of the doubt. If he's says we'll see how it goes, then see how it goes. Good luck and heal well!

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  5. I'm so sorry to hear this. I wish I had some inspiring words for you. Just know that I'm sending you best wishes for a speedy recovery.

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  6. Ugh, that is so sucky. Rest up and take care of it now! And you may just find that swimming and biking aren't all that bad, after all :)

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  7. I'm sorry to hear about your injury. I wish you a swift recovery.

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  8. We have a lot in common, though we're in different places. I am working towards my first ever 5k after 38 years of being a non-runner. As I'm just getting to 30 minutes of running, things that have never hurt before are starting. Nothing too serious, but I've been introduced to RICE and "letting my pain dictate my activity". Keep your head up, and I'll keep mine up - What does not kill us, makes us stronger.

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  9. Really, really sorry to hear that :-( hope that it heals quicker than the Dr says. Might be worth resting it proper and putting in some swimming as you said.

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  10. This makes me really, really, really sad. :( I'm sorry this isn't going your way...cross train like there's no tomorrow...

    Keep us posted...take it easy and do what you can, when you can.

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  11. That just plain sucks! Are you going to see the orthopod or the PT? Because myabe after the acute phase is over you could run with a brace.
    Hang in there no matter what.

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  12. that does suck, majorly. I do hope you see another doctor (I know, I know, believe me, how much THAT sucks) or a PT. I like to have things confirmed. And, yep, looks like you're gonna have to take up different kinds of training. Could be a whole new world for you!
    (It still sucks. I'm just trying a positive spin. :) )

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  13. That's terrible news! But take good care of it, so that it heals properly and you can get back to running. In the meantime, swimming and biking are excellent workouts!

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  14. That sucks, so sorry to hear! A piece of unsolicited advice: stay away from the cortisone shots if you can. I had an ankle injury in high school. It took them about two year to find out what was wrong (story of my life!) and I tried PT, cortisone shots, and saw many orthopedic surgeons. The shots didn't help and hurt like hell.

    Another unsolicited piece of advice: don't bottle up any frustration, anger, sadness, etc. Trust me, it only makes things worse.

    Yay for moving to the tri world... :)

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  15. Oh honey!! Can you run through the pain?? (just a suggestion...) Maybe a little R&R will help.

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  16. Sorry to hear this. Swimming and biking aren't that bad and you just might learn to like the change.
    Hope you have a speedy recovery!!!

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  17. Oh no! That doesn't sound good. Take it easy and before you know it you'll be back out there pounding the pavement.

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