The Beginning of the End?

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 In early 2023, I began having some new aches and pains which, being in my late 40's, was not necessarily unusual. I was a runner with a three day a week, 3-to-6-mile routine established, and I had been dealing with Plantar Fasciitis for about nine months at this time, but the pain was starting to change and seemed to be moving further up my left leg. I talked to my family doctor about it, and he referred me to a physical therapist. I started there in May 2023, with visits up to three days a week lasting an hour to an hour and a half each and each session having a co-pay. The time commitment and money started to add up. After a month of PT sessions, nothing had really changed, and we determined that I should probably see an Orthopedic Doctor. I was able to get a visit within a few weeks. 

My first visit with the Orthopedic office was on June 26, 2023. X-rays were taken that day in the office. The results showed some arthritis but nothing else significant. At first it was suggested that I had "Runner's knee"; rest and ice should clear it up. However, after having me sit on the table, and doing some stretching and extensions of the leg to determine exactly where the pain was, it was suggested that I possibly could have torn my meniscus. An MRI was ordered. Again, I waited, all while completing my three sessions per week at physical therapy. 

The MRI came back positive for a meniscus tear and confirmed there was some arthritis build up starting. I was given some other options but decided to go through with a meniscal repair surgery. The procedure was minimally invasive, and the recovery time seemed like it would be fast. This option appeared to be a no-brainer. I was under the assumption I would be back to my normal routine of running three times a week within 4-6 weeks. The surgery date was scheduled for August 17, 2023. I would be off work and ordered to rest for the first week. After that, I could return to work at my discretion and was to continue the PT sessions to get me moving. 

The surgery date came. The procedure went as expected, with the exception of plica that also needed to be removed which wasn't seen in the MRI. I rested and followed directions the first week. In the second week, I returned to PT. Strength to my knee seemed to return quickly. Certain things seemed to show improvement, but I continued to walk with a limp which became quite visible and annoying even after my PT sessions were completed on September 28, 2023. Insurance would not approve any more visits. I knew what to do and could continue the work at home. I felt empowered and ready to do the work I needed to do to get back to the running routine I had grown to love. I was determined to do so!

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