Well -after I had several runs with the same characteristic knee pain beginning about 15 mins (give or take) into my run I decided I had better see someone and see what was going on. Some quick research on the net led me to believe that I am dealing with ileotibial band (ITB) syndrome...since pain starting about 2miles or so into the run and the location (outside knee) of the pain is characteristic of it.
Went to my chiropractor (who is certified in ART) on Tuesday and it was confirmed that I am dealing ITB syndrome. Luckily it is in it's early stages though and hopefully the recovery won't be too long. I have had two sessions of ART now - and as my title says - it HURTS like a BUGGER! OWEE! I have also been doing these stretches on the this foam roller - EXCRUCIATING!!
I have been told it is okay to run - just until the point of pain though (I was intially trying to tough it out and ran for several minutes after the pain began) - which yesterday, that was 12.5 minutes! Hopefully that will get longer in the near future! The jury is still out on my race next weekend (27th). If I haven't been able to run (at least once) pain free for at least 30 mins before then then I don't think I will attempt it. And even if I do run it - I know I won't have a stellar race because I haven't had a 'normal' run in quite some time!
As for my ITB syndrome - I (and my chiro) are not quite certain what is causing it. My legs have quite a bit of scar tissue built up in the muscles (which the ACT is dealing with) that could be making my ITB rub on my knee cap. Also - my orthotics are just over 2 years (usual lifespan is about 2 years). when I was prescribed those my podiatrist diagnosed a leg-length discrepancy and had a lift built into my right orthotic. My chiro says I don't have any noticeable leg-length discrepancy right now. He thinks that I may have had an 'apparent' discrepancy perhaps due to a torqued hip which has worked itself out over time. And thus - the lift that used to normalize my right leg - now makes it LONGER than my left - which, if true, could easily be causing my issues. I got cast today for new orthotics - but they won't be in for 2 weeks (well after the race) - so it won't be any help for the race.
The girls have their race on Saturday - we go and pick up their race packages tomorrow - and do a bike check etc. They (especially Delaney) are getting excited!
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