Visit to the Knee Doctor

My Knee Doctor

Just returned from High Performance Sports Medicine—yeah they agreed to see me despite my modest performance status—Dr. Bradley has offered a diagnosis; Quad Tendonitis and Patello-Femoral Syndrome, AKA jumpers knee.  I asked him point blank about my chances for being able to run 26.2 miles in April and he didn’t say no; he said that I would know soon enough. He did step up the treatment plan a bit. I am now taking some anti-inflammatory meds and will begin physical therapy ASAP.

Doctor Explaining What is Wrong with My Knee

I am going to check Amazon to see if there is an “Orthopedics for Dummies” volume. One of the treatments prescribed is VMO ( Vastus Medialis Obliquus) / Patella mechanics; I think that’s the technical term for stretching my legs properly. Other treatments include Myofascial massage, Electrical Stimulation, Ultrasound and Ionto/Phonophoresis, not to mention Strengthening and Stretching. I feel better already!

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Just when I thought it was safe…

I was walking around the other day and for the first time in a long time, did not notice that my knee was hurting. I had given the 52 year old joint some time off but figured it was time to get back on the road, the race is getting frighteningly close.  The knee felt good for about 10, maybe 20 steps. One block later I turned around returned home. I did manage and 1 ½ hours on the elliptical with no pain but running is not yet working. I go to the orthopedic surgeon soon.

As I told my neighbor Mark Steadman while limping home, “if I can just get the knee to cooperate, I am sure I can cross the finish line. It won’t be pretty but then it never has been”.