[Term]

Hi Guys,

As you might know, I've been injured for quite a few months now; went for a biomechanical assessment this morning and the verdict wasn't good. Apparently my right ankle is badly designed and can't roll in very well, therefore not absorbing the shock. Therefore my muscles are having to work too hard to compensate, causing the pain.

I wish I could say that I didn't believe her, but everything she said made complete sense to me.

I've ordered orthotics and she says that my ankle may improve but not enough as the problem is just part of the joints themselves. therefore I should avoid impact exercise as much as possible (and she even mentioned scary things like arthritis and the shortcomings of ankle replacements! :'( ) and she said that cycling (!) is the best exercise for me. I think she said that to try to make me feel better as I'd cycled there and she must have thought that I like cycling (I do like cycling, but I love running). Felt such a fool cycling (and in parts walking because I was too miserable to cycle) home holding back the tears.

I'm thinking I'll get a second opinion in a few months (to see if the orthotics have helped and maybe the healing time will help the diagnosis - clutching at straws I know) but I'm not holding out much hope because it all made complete sense.

Thanks for all the support and banter. I'll probably not visit the forum much anymore, no point in torturing myself.

 

[richardsimkiss]

I'm really sorry to hear that, though the body is an incredible thing - you may find the pain subsides with the orthotics and strengthening of the surrounding muscles/ligaments... i'll be honest though, I'm no specialist in the field.

Give the orthotics a go and see how you progress... perhaps ask if there's any scope for running on softer terrain - could always become a fell runner

 

[Steve]

That's bad news but Never say Never!

Good luck.

 

[LEECE]

awwwwwwwwwww sorry to hear this news i hope the orthotics help somehow.

 

[twinkle toes]

oh that is such sad news, I really do hope the orthotics help you back to running, keep us posted.

 

[jonp]

Term,
Needless to say I disagree with that assessment. Your ankle only needs to roll in if you land ahead and on your heals. If you land more mid-foot or forefoot under your body you will eliminate almost all pronation issues. I don't believe orthotics are the answer except for extreme and particular cases. You CAN run again. Check out the links I posted on the shin splint thread.

I know some will say be careful changing your style, but it is your style not your genetics that are causing you pain in this instance.

 

[Trinity]

I agree with jonp... don't give up with just one opinion. If I was you I'd get another completely independent opinion.

Do you belong to a club? They should have contacts of running coaches who could assess your running style and give you suggestions on how to avoid injury etc

 

[richardsimkiss]

I'd agree with Jon P and Trin... where there's a will there's a way!! I wouldn't usually recommend people to change their running style, but if it's the difference between running and not running then it's a bit of a no brainer!

I remember Trin battled with injury for a long time (though I forget the specifics) and sought advice from a whole host of specialists, and look at how well she's managed

 

[Owain]

Fingers crossed you come back and read this thread Term because I think what has been said is great news!
The other thing is, who says what running is? You could do a slow easy jog which still gets you out but isnt as hard on the impact than a full on sprint, if that makes sense

Get a second or third opinion and let us know how you get on.....fingers crossed the end is some time away yet

O.

 

[hot foot]

I hope you do go for that second opinion Term. Don't give up hope.

 

[Squint]

Don't give only quitters do that. There have been some good suggestions here. Look at folkies in the Paralympics. How many of those were told they couldn't or shouldn't do something. The only thing that ever really stops us is ourself. Even if you cut down the running and work on other excersises to increase strength and mobility in your ankle you may still be able to enjoy it.

 

[Term]

Thanks guys, I must say this is what I was hoping for when I posted originally.

I don't belong to a club, but I'm going to my local running shop to ask where they recommend I go (they're very nice, holding a pair of trail shoes for me just now, don't think I'll be buying them though).

Thanks again, you've really lifted my mood. Went into to work after my appointment very upset, now I'm a bit more hopeful.

 

[Owain]

Out of interest, which running shop do you use in Edinburgh?

O.

 

[Term]

Run 4 it on Lothian Road, next to the filmhouse

 

[Owain]

Yip, I know it, my office is just up the road from there. I tend to go to Run and Become because I get 10% Discount

O.

 

[beasty1711]

its been mentioned a few times on here, and i havnt tried it, but seeing as your at the point of almost giving up it might be worth looking at something like the pose method which trains you to run with a midfoot strike... which i think would take away any need for ankle pronation

just another option

 

[Term]

Went to octopush tonight and spoke to my team captain. She's a physiotherapist and as I was telling her about the assessment, she was shaking her head and pointing out lots of problems with it. Her verdict - get a second opinion.

Definitely going to get a second opinion, just wish that I'd waited before ordering the orthotics (£110!!)

 

[Hrun]

Good luck!

Even if you have to reduce the frequency it will be good to still get out there

 

[jonp]

Term whatever you do the aim is to reduce pronation as per what beasty said. Your ankles are not designed to roll in or out under 4-5 times bodyweight (for any of us!). You need to land with a bent knee and your ankle bone under your knee (not in front) as you land i.e. reduce your stride length with ideally a midfoot landing.

 

[Term]

Possibly turned a corner! :happy:

Went round the local running shops and they recommended that I go to FASIC (Fitness Assessment and Sports Injury Clinic) at Edinburgh university. Had an appointment there on Wednesday and when I told the physio that the podiatrist said I should never run again, she looked disgusted and said "that's a bit negative, isn't it?"

After looking at me, she said my achilles is definitely irritated and that my lower back is stiff. She also agrees that I need the orthotics so i've starting wearing them in - bit strange but not actually uncomfortable. I should also go back to the negative podiatrist for the follow up appointments - I'll be going in with a written list of questions this time though.

Got to take things slowly, getting treatment on my back; the achilles is too irritated to actually treat just now. Once the physio gives the go ahead, I'm going to start going to pilates - I'm viewing this as a long term rebuild and every movement starts at the core. When I'm closer to running, I'm going to start thinking about other running methods, but focusing on recovery just now.

I don't think I'll be back to running for a few months, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. :happy: