Every Run is a Great Run!

Just thought I'd give an update on the foot injury. It's been very helpful to me to read the experiences of other bloggers who have dealt with a similar injury in the past. So I figured the least I could do was chronicle my experience and maybe help someone else down the road. Hopefully I'll provide an example of what TO do rather than what NOT TO do.

So after the weekend on Monday it was still quite painful to walk and I was having to use the crutches for anything longer than a walk down the hall. Scheduled an appt with the sports doc yesterday afternoon and came up with a game plan.

Dr. Rich agreed that it was almost certainly a torn plantar fascia. We discussed the pro/con of getting an MRI to better determine the extent. But decided to wait a couple weeks first since regardless of the MRI outcome the treatment would be the same for the first 2 weeks. And also since I'm not in a big rush to overcome this in absolutely the quickest amount of time possible we decided to take the slow, deliberate approach to dealing with it.

Also discussed options for the next 2 weeks: cast vs. boot vs. crutches, etc. Decided to go with the boot for now with the option of using crutches if pain is uncomfortable without them. I feel better today than the last couple of days but still prefer to use crutches if I'm walking more than about 50 ft. I'm also supposed to follow the typical routine of R-I-C-E throughout each day.

After 2 weeks we reevaluate. He said recovery from these type injuries can vary greatly from person to person, anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months for full recovery. He also confirmed what Teena had implied in her comments to me that when the plantar "pops" like this in can actually have the same effect as surgery (i.e. the "poor man's surgery") and oftentimes after this happens to someone they find they are cured of plantar fasciitis in that foot forever. That would surely be nice if that were the case.

Most likely after the 2 week period I'll lose the boot and start into the PT and slowly start working in some type of cross-training.

We didn't really talk about the mental aspects of recovery. So far I'm doing well in that department but I'm sure it will get tougher here soon. Just really going to try and focus on all the innumerable positive things in my life and avoid the woe-is-me self-pity depression cycle and not turn into a grouch.

Here is my question of the day: So how come even though I'm doing no exercise, my appetite doesn't seem to be diminishing whatsoever?

Just thought I'd make a quick update on the injury situation. Slow improvement, foot is feeling a little better every day but nothing dramatic. Still wearing the boot most of the time. Using crutches less than before, mostly for longer walks or when I want to move at quicker than 30-min/mile pace.

I'll probably use the boot through the weekend. Might try some gentle biking next week as well. Appetite is still pretty strong, whatever part of the brain controls that still seems to think I'm in training, I would hope that calms down a bit soon or I'll be adding some serious lbs to my frame. Probably up a pound or 2 already.

Doing better mentally than I expected, probably helps to be pretty busy at work right now and also to have great support at home. But starting to feel a bit like a slug and having some of the nervous energy and antziness like you get a few days before a marathon during heavy taper time.

One day at a time....