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Saturday, January 27, 2007

Self Diagnosis

Most of your comments on yesterday's "knee" post re-confirm that which I read online, in my running books, and in back issues of RW: This is probably an IT band that has been strained. The pain is on the side of my knee, it immediately subsides when I stop running, it doesn't ache when not running, it's not inflamed, and it doesn't lock. Thus, the best remedies include all the things you readers noted I try: ice, aspirin, rest, and stretching.

I think I will do all of those things before consulting a doctor. Hopefully, with proper care, the knee strain will subside and I can continue running without any pain. For today: rest. And tomorrow, well, as my favorite heroine loved to say, "Tomorrow's another day."

12 comments:

Theoutofshapeguy said...

http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2000/02_00/fredericson.htm

This is a great website on how to deal with, and treat and IT band syndrome. I hope it helps you

Theoutofshapeguy said...

the fre at the end of the link is:

fredericson.htm

Jess said...

OOSG: Thank you for the info. I will visit the site!

Erin said...

I have never had knee pain like you are describing. I side with everyone else-self diagnose for a while. Then again, I am the one that put off going to the eye doctor for a week while the scratch in my eye bothered me.

Unknown said...
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Stephanie said...

Good luck - I hope your knee is better so that you're back to running in your flip-flops soon! :-)

Iron Jayhawk said...

Ooooh...the IT Band. Invest in one of 'em foam rollers. "Make it hurt so good" :) Hehehe...

My Life said...

So sad! You can't have IT band problems, you just can't! ;)

runner26 said...

Jess! Please be careful re: your knee. This is exactly what happened to me last winter and it was no running for 6 months! It definitely sounds like your IT Band. I did all that with the stretching, icing, resting, foam roller, physical therapy for 4 months, etc... But it never got better until I had acupuncture. I so do not want you to be in the position I was in. It's awful! I really hope yours gets better soon. If not, see a doc. IMO, it's the worst injury ever--such a tease. You'll be out there running for a couple miles and then boom--pain hits and you have to stop running. It goes away then, but it's such a bummer. Take care of yourself--I can't wait to read the post of yours that says it is all better :)

Anonymous said...

Hope that the knee is doing okay.

SRR said...

Ahhh....knee pain...all too well my friend.

Liv said...

Stretching is defintely key - the more flexible you become, the less susceptible you are to these shitty injuries. Also, IMO, I'd go with ibuprofen rather than aspirin, I've found it works really well with less potential side effects. And definitely see a doctor if it doesn't clear up soon. Don't forget though... you're still coming off the marathon. Be gentle to your body! Best of luck :)