Today, I had a follow up appointment with Dr. Milner on my foot. I am beyond annoyed with how my foot is feeling. But, seeing Dr. Milner helps put things into perspective.
When I first saw him on Nov 28, I had almost no range of dorsiflexion in my right foot. I couldn’t walk after I ran because my foot hurt so bad. I was in a really bad place. This was after taking time off of running. I didn’t run at all during October and much of November.
Nearly two months later, I’m still not up and back to normal. But, there is concrete progression. My foot now has a much increased ROM. I ran/walked for 50 mins yesterday and I am still moving around and able to walk. I’m by no means pain-free, but I’m definitely improving. And I have a plan. That’s slowly working. Slowly. Very slowly.
I was told to be patient. Anyone who knows me, knows that’s nearly impossible. I have another appt in a month. He told me he hopes that I’m better enough to call and cancel the appt. I hope so, too. I’m not going to hold my breath. But, I’m hoping.
I have big goals this year. Doc thinks I should be up and running normally in the next month or two. I hope he’s right.
I was told to stay patient and stay the course. We are making progress. Definitely not on my timeline. But, progress is progress.
Tomorrow, I have an appt with Julie Barton of Optimum Wellness. Let’s hope she can work out some of the mess that’s in there.
January 23, 2012 | Categories: Foot Issues, Injuries, Progress | Tags: andy milner, comeback, doctor, flector, foot progress, julie barton, massage therapy, my stupid foot, night splint, orthotics | Leave A Comment »
I’m writing this post, mostly for myself, to document all the things that I’m doing to my foot to make it better. Also, for my coach, because she always asks… as she should be! 
I’m not necessarily posting for suggestions, but if you’ve been in a similar situation and have something that worked for you, let me know.
The doctor recommended a treatment plan of three things -
- Lots of Stretching -
This includes a night splint/use with heating pad to stretch out my foot while I’m watching TV and laying around, I’m supposed to use this 1-2 hours per night. This also includes stretching before I get out of bed and post-workout. I’ve got a series of stretches that I should do in each scenario.
- Reduce Inflammation -
His recommendation was Flector. It’s an NSAID in a patch form. I put it directly on the area. I had some issues getting this prescription filled because I switched insurances (with my new job) and needed pre-authorization, which then had to happen twice. As a result, I just got this filled on Friday. Let’s hope it helps.
- Support Foot -
I was fitted for custom orthodics. I’m wearing my tennis shoes with my orthodics as much as possible. I am wearing supportive shoes, even when I don’t wear my tennis shoes.
In additional to this -
- Massage Therapy – with someone new, recommended to me by a good tri friend who also suffers from stupid lower limbs – Julie Barton. She is including a technique called cupping on my calves and foot. I’ve been to one session and have 3 more lined up over the next month.
- Foam rolling daily.
- Rolling foot on ball several times daily.
- Trying really hard to be patient.
My poor, stupid foot. I just want it to be better!
January 9, 2012 | Categories: Foot Issues, Injuries | Tags: cupping, flector patch, foot protocol, massage, my stupid foot, night splint | Leave A Comment »
