So, back in November I slipped on the ice/snow and twisted my knee. In the next couple of days, it was a little stiff, sore and swollen, but not all that bad. I even played racquetball on it with little further negative impact. But, the story changed significantly when I went for a run the first time after my fall.
The evening of my run I could feel the knee starting to get much more sore and inflamed. That discomfort lasted for a week, or more. Icing and Ibuprofen helped keep things under control as I continued to play racquetball, and do my regular squat routines, but I decided to put running on hold until things improved. Which they did.
In fact, things improved quite a bit, so I tried another short run. Same damn result, though - inflamed, ouchy knee. To top that off, I had a racquetball tournament in Des Moines a few days later (18 games of racquetball in two-and-a-half days). Bringing home a first-place trophy was great, but my knee was barking loudly.
As hard as it was to admit, I needed to rest, not only from running, but also from my beloved racquetball playing. And the several-week rest really did wonders, with the pain and inflammation subsiding almost completely. Naturally, it was time to "test the waters". So I planned a short, easy run with a friend. The run itself felt great. No pain, no problems. Not until the next day, at least. Swelling and pain returned, but not as bad, and it went away in just a couple of days.
I rested even more. (#**^&%!!!!)
After a few more rest weeks the knee was feeling much, much better - but not 100%. So, rather than repeating the run-and-hurt routine, I broke down and called my doctor for a referral to a sports orthopedic. And after more weeks of waiting to get in to see him, I am happy to report my appointment was this week.
Two sets of x-rays and an exam, with diagnosis from Dr. Todd Johnston is getting me back on the running trail this weekend. He thinks I tweaked the meniscus in that knee. I was given a hydro cortisone shot, with instructions to rest three more days, and then I can resume my normal activities!
I'm super-excited, and cautiously optimistic about the modest run I have planned for this Saturday. I'll be sure to post an update here with the results.
UPDATE: 5/24/16...
Last Saturday I ran 3.4mi with a friend, keeping a nice, slow, conversational pace. The run felt great, and now, three days later, my knee continues to feel terrific! I'm playing racquetball for the first time this afternoon, and am confident that I'll hold up perfectly.
7/12/16...
My knee is getting better and better! I've slowly been ramping up running and racquetball. As long as I don't try to do both in the same day, I've been fine, and the next-day inflammation is at a minimum, even after longer runs. My racquetball opponents have noticed the difference in my game, as well! Post-activity icing, and icing at least once a day have been continuing as a precaution, and has become something of a habit at this point. After runs, sitting in a tub of water from just the cold tap has been a good cool-off also.
8/31/16...
My knee is what I would call totally healed now. I am doing any and all physical activities without any thought of my once-sore knee. I'm running up to 6 miles at speed, and playing lots of competitive singles pickle ball and racquetball. This November, I'm entering a 7-mile mud run in Des Moines, which is said to be the largest cross country race in North America. It should be a great experience and lots of fun.
The state of my activity level leaves me grateful for restored health and thankful for future wellness.
