Tuesday, October 4, 2011

HUGE Medical Breakthrough!!!

Usually if I just give it the "Evil Eye" 
long enough, it just feels better
I self-diagnose injuries on the Internet.  Don't judge me ... y'all do it too!  Mainly because in the year 2011, information of all types is more easily accessible than ever.  Of course weeding through all the misinformation can be a little challenging too.  But also, I'm a guy ... and I'm NOT going to the doctor unless I literally have to carry the body part into the hospital with me.  Occasionally I'll have a little ache or pain from running that I can't figure out myself.  In fact, last week I told Michael that I was "considering" going to a sports doctor type person to figure out the consistent pain I experience during the fall & winter months behind my left knee.

The pain is NOT knee pain, it's connective tissue pain ... really more between the top of the calf and the "inside/bottom" of the knee.  It's the tendon that connects one of the hamstring muscles to the inside of the leg ... I think anyway.  And I don't really seem to notice it other than when the temps start dropping below 50 degrees outside.  It's not horrible ... just nagging.  But it bothers me every year.  This year it started about 3 weeks ago.

But late last week I think I may have found the solution.  So, of course ... I WILL NOT BE GOING TO THE DOCTOR anytime soon!!! I'm a HUGE BELIEVER that most aches and pains from running can be fixed with a process ...

Jack recommended a puppy massage!
1. Isolate the pain & determine what muscles support the affected area
2. Strengthen the supportive muscles around that area
3. Stretch, stretch, and re-stretch the areas
(DISCLAIMER ... I am know I am an idiot, and obviously not a doctor!  I am completely aware of this fact.  OF COURSE if you are suffering any type of serious pain, you SHOULD go to a doctor and get it checked it out.  I don't go because I AM AN IDIOT!!!) 

YES ... I understand that I'm not a doctor and really don't know squat about it ... save it ... I get it!  But I can tell you that I have ran almost 10,000 miles over the past 5-6 years, and THIS process has kept me relatively injury free and feeling pretty healthy.  Of course I'm not talking about serious pain or an obvious injury ... I'm just referring to those little aches that are indicators we are doing something wrong during training, or a certain muscle group is a little  underdeveloped.

For this specific pain I've been dealing with, spending a little more time rolling and focusing on the Biceps Femoris Muscle seemed to remedy the problem.  When I used the roller pad on this area alone, the pain behind the knee seemed to be instantly relieved.  It seems that when the supportive muscles to a specific tendon are relieved of their tension, many times the tendon pain goes away.  It was a great find!  I think I'll probably be nominated for a Medical Grammy - or whatever award they get - for discovering this!!!

All I'm sayin' is this stupid pain has bothered me quite a bit over the years, and I'm really excited that I finally found some natural relief for it.  And hopefully this will be one of the things that make running more enjoyable in the winter months!  Have a good one ... Dr. J-Dub out!
... be great today!

23 comments:

  1. I bet Michael has either made you wath ER or Greys Atamony, that makes you a certified doctor

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  2. I am with you. I have to be dead or dying to go to the tea-leaf reading bone rollers.

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  3. I self-diagnose via the internet all the time... I don't think I've been to the doctor for an injury since I was about 7 and didn't have a say in the decision. lol

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  4. I think Jack's suggestion was the best!

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  5. You and the REST of the world self diagnose on Google and WebMD!

    However, remember stretching/cross training are usually cures for everything. Sometimes it is not the area that hurts that causes the pain, it can be referral pain from another area. Stretch EVERYTHING out!

    Good luck.

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  6. Haha! This post made me laugh, as I'm the same way. REFUSE to go to the doctor unless I'm dying. Of course, this doesn't help the sympathy factor when I complain about aches and pains to my husband. He says, "You should go to the doctor. Otherwise, I don't want to hear about it." :)

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  7. 1. Isolate the pain & determine what muscles support the affected area
    2. Strengthen the supportive muscles around that area
    3. Stretch, stretch, and re-stretch the areas

    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    Amen Brother!

    I too often visit Dr Google...

    no copay!

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  8. Hey Dr. Pepper. You know what would be awesome, is to hang out in Michael's car on those seat heaters and warm the el knee up before going out for a run! Then, strap a bunch of those hand warmers to your knee with duct tape.

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  9. I think most runners hold a WebMD degree. I could probably teach an advanced course in heel pain at any medical institute! Hoping you found the miracle answer to your knee issue....and score, no copay!

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  10. It looks like you have it all figured out doc. It truly is pretty amazing how much we can remedy these problems on are own. 1 year ago I was that runner that said I never needed to warm up, stretch, or foam roll and now a days you'd think me and the foam roller are in a fulltime relationship. :)

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  11. I went to the internet for my ankle and hamstring pain. It is a great source for to find information on what is hurting you. Cute Post

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  12. Let me just say that if it really works, I will pay you to come here and give my feet the "look!"

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  13. Same here.Google is the first place I look. Then it's off to Youtube to look up videos on how to correctly fix the issue :)

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  14. this is my favorite part of this post - "OF COURSE if you are suffering any type of serious pain, you SHOULD go to a doctor and get it checked it out. I don't go because I AM AN IDIOT!!!)" lol

    But the bullet points you list are dead on for pretty much most every injury that you get. Usually it seems like most injuries are due to overuse or muscle imbalances it seems like. Seems like you have your problem dialed in at least!

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  15. Sooooo, what makes it hurt in the colder temps? A woman in my classes is having the same issue.

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  16. In your case it is Medical OSCAR of course..
    Bill is just like you. Right now he has a hard time WALKING because of pain in his knee. I keep telling him to go get an XRay..and he says he will go when he cannot walk AT ALL. yeah that makes a lot of sense....
    this has to be a men thing...a serious illness with no cure...kind of like when there is a newborn in the house all you men are deaf between 10 pm and 7 am...
    Do I win a medical Grammy for that discovery?

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  17. I try not to self diagnose over the internet, because I always click a link to some worst-case scenario that has me convinced I'm going to die a slow, painful death in the next 30 minutes.

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  18. Go back to June, read my post about injuring my biceps femoris muscle....seriously. Do you ever read my blog :)

    Jack is on the money!

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  19. I hope this gets better for you! I do self diagnosis too, don't go to doctors...and last time i checked..well I am NOT a guy.

    Anyhoooo.
    I have had a similar issue with behind the knee "tightness" since Boston. I finally decided it had a lot to do with sitting down at the computer for an hour or so- right after running. Stretching = good

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  20. Don't know about your medical skills, but I do know that your dog is awfully cute!

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  21. I know you're just trying to be funny when you say you're an idiot. Well, if you are, then I am too. Although I have been to the doctor in the past for running issues, I'm more-less like you: figure out the cause with some help from Google, and treat the problem with a combination of rest, weights, and stretches.

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  22. also could be popliteus... i have similar issues towards the end of the season....

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