For nearly six months, I struggled with a plantar plate injury, capsulitis, metatarsalgia - there are many names for it, and plenty to read on the internet about what can be done.
After I exhausted the internet's articles, discussion boards and forums, taped the toe down, rested, and put in metatarsal inserts, what to do next?
This mild but persistent injury had dogged me since mid-October, coming and going but never fully resolving, despite the efforts of two different podiatrists and my regular acupuncturist and a month of no running whatsoever.
At the insistence of my good friend Katie, I went to see her Sports Acupuncturist. Where would I be without you, my friend?
Yes, there was a little tightness around my second toe. But the real issue wasn't in my foot, it was in my lower leg. A tight flexor digitorum longus was the culprit. As a runner, I really need to learn my anatomy.
Oh, all that punishing climbing I'd been doing on the treadmill last fall? Yep, that's where it burned, how about that?
Plink, plink, plink, plink - a few needles in key spots and after I got past the slight soreness the next day, I could feel the difference. For the first time in months it just felt RIGHT.
One sports acupuncture session with Larry the Legend solved my issue.
If you too have this not-so-common injury, I highly recommend a sports acupuncturist.
Since then I have carefully been building my time and mileage, and I'm pretty excited about the possibilities.
Vermont 100, here I come!
If one could run without getting tired I don't think one would often want to do anything else. -C.S. Lewis
A woman in my office has been suffering from extreme plantar faciitis for months. She could hardly walk. Just as you learned, the problem wasn't in her feet, it was in her lower legs. Targeted massage and needles haven't totally resolved the problem but she is MUCH better.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is great news! I hope you continue to feel strong and healthy as you get back to it in earnest.
ReplyDeleteSo awesome it was an easy "fix"! Acupuncture can be amazing!
ReplyDeleteWONDERFUL news! You're roughly the 900th person I know who's highly recommended acupuncture for a wide range of ailments. Suffice it to say I'm convinced, and will be trying it if I have future sports-related ouchies.
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo! That is awesome, Kirstin! Gotta love those fixes. And that's so great you get to do Vermont - I'm dying to do it, but can never seem to get up there.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome, congrats!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it has resolved! Being injured sucks.
ReplyDeleteStay strong! :)
It’s good to hear that you are now already relieved of your injuries. You must be really thankful to the sports acupuncturist you consulted with. Anyway, I'm really glad that you'll now be able to continue running without pain. Just don't strain your body too much, especially your injured areas. Thanks for sharing that! Take care! :)
ReplyDeleteMadalyn Oconnell @ SHC Denver
Glad to have come across this.. Been dealing with the same thing for about a month and a half and it's driving me nuts. Last thing I want to do is cause long term damage, so anything I can do to treat and heal is worth a shot. I've just bookmarked a few acupuncturists to check out!
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