It’s been a week to the day since my injury, and I’ve been too depressed to write before now so here’s what the last 7 days have been about for me.
Following the Market Drayton 10k on the 8th May, I have been suffering with pain, and stiffness at the back of my right knee/hamstring. I foolishly did a recovery run the day after the race, despite it being uncomfortable which only exacerbated it further (rookie!)
Tuesday morning I struggled to even get out of bed, and hobbled about in the hope that it would pass. It didn’t. I strapped it up with K-tape, did the whole RICE thing… no improvement. I cried myself to sleep in pain that night, not helping that Zuzu dive-bombed me and Harry jumped on my leg before bed!
Wednesday morning I had an external meeting at work and honestly didn’t know how I’d drive myself there. But I did, despite struggling to have the strength in my leg to use the brake/accelerator. My colleague told me to go home as I looked so unwell from the pain/lack of sleep! I stayed for the meeting, but as I got up to leave, my leg went from under me – it completly gave out. This resulted in a trip to A&E, and although I was worried about a tear, they were more concerned about a stress fracture. So following X-rays, assessments, etc I was referred to Trauma & Orthopedics to determine what’s going on in there. Still waiting now for the results from this! (although the Dr on shift at the time said they could not see any significant break, but they needed to look closer at it to see if there is a hairline fracture) but I understand these cannot always be picked up on a X-ray, nor in the early stages of a SF.
Anyhow, following a few subsequent days of pain, I am pleased to report a significant improvement in mobility! So, I’m off the crutches and walking with what resembles a normal gait. I’ve been blessed with some well educated friends, colleagues, and medical professionals which has helped me to determine the cause of my injury and reach a ‘potential’ diagnosis – suggesting it’s not a straight forward hamstring strain and the rehab will be quite specific and intensive.
So, it’s looking like an MTJ injury (myotendinous junction), basically a strain on the interface between muscle and tendon in the back of my leg behind the femur (the bone they thought I may have had a fracture). The ‘squidgy’ feeling every time I sit down is most likely a build up/ sac of collagen/fluid/scar tissue which is all part of the healing process. I need to consider massage/ultrasound to help break this down, as well as potentially acupuncture.
It will be a long road back with lots of patience and self-discipline required! I do intend to document my rehab programme so watch this space if you or someone you know struggles with hamstrings as I will have to follow a series of stretching/strength exercises as I build back.
Thank you to everyone for their kind messages of support, it’s been a difficult time mentally through this as my wings have been clipped and forced to rest. But, as we all now without REST the body can’t heal! so this marks the start of my recovery.
Streetrunner 🇬🇧🏃🏼♀️ 