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So. About that foot. #RunnerProblems

The Boot

I haven’t updated in a while because I figured everyone was sick of hearing me complain. I was running some after the cortisone injection and feeling good, trying to ease back in slowly. I was just starting to feel strong again when the pain came back. I guess I was still injured and the cortisone was just masking the symptoms for a time.

At first I tried to work (read: run) through it but it only got worse. I was still seeing my PT twice a week, and she seemed at a loss as to how to help me so I decided to go back to the doctor to see if there was anything else they could do. Not happy with the care I got from the orthopedist I was seeing, I decided to try someone new.

He advised me to wear running shoes at all times to support my feet when I’m not running, and he gave me a new set o orthotics to try. He also gave me an anti-inflammatory cream to use and ordered an ultrasound so he can see exactly what he’s dealing with.

I returned to the doctor yesterday to get my ultrasound results, which confirmed my plantar fasciitis/fasciosis diagnosis and revealed evidence of a tear in the plantar fascia. In the meantime, I hadn’t really been running and the pain in my foot had only worsened.

He says that my plantar fascia is thick and diseased. By the sounds of it, it’s pretty bad. Because I’ve been through so much therapy, worn orthotics and sensible shoes, rested all winter, and even tried the cortisone, the boot was deemed the next step.

The idea is to “shut it down” by keeping my foot immobilized in a boot in hopes that the plantar fasciosis will “calm down” and allow the plantar fascia to heal. If it doesn’t, well… none of the other options sound very appealing so I’m just hoping this does the trick.

The weather has been glorious for running, I’ve been feeling strong and energetic, and it’s really a sucker punch to the gut to be taken down again so soon. I’m trying to stay positive and hopeful. At this point, I’m more concerned with being able to walk again than being able to run. My body doesn’t seem to be healing itself, and that’s kind of freaking me out.

Meanwhile, I am coming to terms with the fact that my running days may be over. People who are prone to plantar fasciitis sometimes don’t ever totally heal it. It’s more a matter of managing it. Bah humbug.

As frustrating as it is to deal with this, I have friends in the past month who have been dealt much harsher blows — diagnoses that are life altering and even life threatening. Every time I start to get depressed about my own struggles, I think of them and how they are dealing with their situations with grace, and I know I need to get over myself.

While I’m in the boot, there is no PT or exercise, so at least I’ll have lots of time to blog, right!?

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27 Responses

  1. I’m sorry you’re going through this and I really hope the boot does the trick. It is something that you’re going through something that’s a challenge for you and still able to keep perspective around what others are going through (too often people are unable to see past their own ‘stuff’).
    Now, the BIG question: is there such a thing as fashion boot covers?

  2. So sorry! Such a disappointment! I’ve been in the same boat with an injury and have taken time off from running for almost two months. I’ve been trying to think of alternative exercise that excites me once I’m back to normal. I’m hoping I won’t need an alternative but if you think of anything that you like, please blog about it!

    1. Yeah, I’m supposed to be getting a bike…. obvi that is on hold now. but I just don’t think it’s going to be as easy as running. I’m curious to see if I like it or not tho.

  3. I’m really sorry your going through this too. It’s very frustrating to deal with and trust doctors and find that your not getting better. I know it’s not the same as running, but some time in the garden might help?

  4. Only you could make a medical boot look like a fab accessory! I hope it feels better fast! After all, you have book signings to go to. For instance, the Lehigh Valley Mall Barnes & Noble. LOL. Well, not really, it would awesome, because we get a lot of customers asking for GF cookbooks.

  5. I’m so sorry that you’re having so much trouble with your foot. I’m praying for your comfort and healing.
    Hugs and kitty kisses ♥

  6. In one of your comments here you mentioned biking. I have a friend who was a huge runner and she found herself in the situation as you. She had to stop running. She got herself a bile and she says she really enjoys it. It may be something to really check into after you get your boot off of course. Lol. Good luck.

    1. Thanks, I do think I could enjoy that. It seems more complicated, as far as finding a safe place to ride, plus I fear I will hurt myself. But I do need something fun and outdoorsy to do with myself. Even just walking might be enough. Right now I’m trying to focus on getting better and then I’ll figure out something. 🙂

  7. So sorry to hear about your continuing foot problems. I have a recurring knee injury from skiing years ago, and it’s so frustrating when it keeps you from doing what you want! On a positive note, you make the boot look really cute!

  8. Ugh…I’m so sorry. I thought mine was bad, but it did eventually go away. Maybe you could try Pure Barre or Barre 3 type workouts. They are great strength training…you’ll have to modify but they are nice, energize workouts that are anything but “light” My butt is always sore. 🙂

    Also, I totally think you and your girls should bedazzle your boot with sticker rhinestones. 🙂

  9. I’m sorry to hear all you keep going through with your foot. You’re in my prayers. You seem to be a really nice woman, and I enjoy all posts by the way! Your emails do make me smile.

  10. So sorry to hear this and hope it heals quickly! I too had to give up running due to a bizarre heel/achilles condition. I have found lots of other ways to stay fit and active always modifying so I’m not in constant pain. This too shall pass and opens doors for lots of new adventures for you.

    1. Thanks, Pam. I’m coming to terms with that possibility. :-/ I think it’s the racing I’ll miss the most. Being part of something bigger, ya know? Oh well… I enjoyed it while it lasted, right?

  11. So sorry you are going through this. My daughter broke her ankle and got out of her cast after four weeks and now has a boot up to her knee. It is taking a while to get used to. Biking can cause flexing of the foot/ankle area if you clip your shoes in I would check with the dr. One thing I have looked at is a swim belt that you wear in the deep end and you jog in place. Many runners with injuries use them. I also know a lot of people who cannot swim use them. Good luck!

  12. I feel ya, girl. I wore one of these about a year and half ago. I had small tear in my Achilles and it was quite painful. And while I am better now I am not running nearly as much. I know what you mean about it being relative to other people’s medical issues but it still stinks when you want to run! Thinking of you!

  13. I have had two excruciating bouts of plantar fasciitis and have done the boot, orthotics, stretches, icing it, wearing runners etc. it wa so bad last time I could hardly walk. I heard from a friend about shockwave therapy. A local chiropractor in my area did it and while very expensive ($700) it worked. I still can’t walk lots in flat, no support flip flops but otherwise I have not had a problem since. You might want to research it. Hope this helps!

      1. It was painful but the intensity can be adjusted. The first time I got plantar fasciitis I was running and kickboxing. It took a long time to get better. The second time I was working with personal trainer, kickboxing in bare feet(duh!) and walking in bad flip flops a lot. The pain was horrendous. I haven’t ran since, but was very happy to be able to walk again! Hope this helps.

        1. Do you think working with the trainer bothered it? I have a feeling that some of the stuff we do bothers it (we don’t do any jumping anymore) but she says there’s nothing we’re doing that should hurt it. It’s so hard to know. I do wear good shoes though. 🙂

          At this point, I can walk. I just dont really think I should be running. I keep putting off that PRP injection (don’t know if you saw my update, but the boot didn’t help) but I’ll probably have to break down and do it.

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