My holiday in CT has been very relaxing. Spending time with family is always special and I have enjoyed the past few weeks. Well, I have enjoyed the family part, but I could do without the sub 20 degree days and gloomy weather. I am certainly no longer an east coast girl.
It wasn't a white Christmas, just a cold one. We opened presents, had a big breakfast, let our bellies digest, then went out on our annual Christmas day run. We sat around the fire, played games, laughed and enjoyed the spirit of the holiday season.
I saw a brilliant chiropractor here in Middlebury, CT on Saturday, and then again on Tuesday who finally got to the bottom of the knee pain I have been having since mid November. All the things I have been focusing on are important (hip stretching and strength, glute strength etc), but these weren't the reasons for the knee pain I have been experiencing. I guess sometimes it takes awhile to figure these things out!
The doctor I saw on Saturday explained to me that my patella is not tracking correctly on my left knee. Based on my history, and the pain I described, he determined that I have patellofemoral syndrome, or Chondromalacia. He showed me as I contracted my quads the huge difference in the direction my patella was traveling from my right knee to my left knee.
My patella on my left knee is tracking horizontally across and out towards my IT band, instead of straight back. The doctor determined that this is due to a very weak/ non existent vastus medialis (VMO) muscle, and a VERY tight and irritated IT band. This has caused irritation in my knee and cartilage damage as the patella tracks incorrectly.
Since the initial appointment I have been diligently foam rolling my IT band, doing strength exercises for my VMO and avoiding all other activity. Well, I have been doing strength training and core work too, and swimming with a buoy in the endless pool at my neighbors house, but it feels like I haven't been doing anything. I see the doctor again on Friday and the goal is to be back riding on Friday and running on Wednesday the 11th.
The past few months have been a roller coaster of emotions- patience then frustration, perseverance then anger, at ease and then sad. I certainly don't feel very fit, and that freaks me out, but I am making changes and am becoming a different athlete- physically and mentally. Dealing with challenges is a reality in this sport, and it has taken me a few emotional breakdowns to realize that there is no need to complain, that I will overcome this injury, and that 2012 will be a good year if I continue to look at the positives.
Jessica
