| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
NicLoves2Run
49 Posts |
 Posted - November 25 2012 : 23:08:38
|
Okay, so this could possibly belong in the "running related injuries" part of the forum, but it's kind of all over the place... so here it goes.
In March 2009 I was recovering from brain surgery I had in December '08, and I was terribly homesick... out of town for work. The one thing that was familiar to me in Boston was the treadmill. Every day I was on that thing. Too much, too fast for two whole weeks. Now here I am, almost 5 years later, still paying a dear price for that...
My new orthopedic surgeon is speculating that I have arthritis and cartilage damage. We don't know for sure because I cannot have an MRI. He prescribed a very good knee brace and recommended a number of stretches, cross-training, and weight lifting. I am running again. He is confident he can get me back to long distances, but there's one thing we're not seeing eye-to-eye on.
I pointed out that I've used custom made orthotics since I was 15-years-old, remaining generally uninjured until this knee thing. The orthotics need to be worn in neutral shoes. I've had so much luck in the Brooks Burn, Ghost and now Launch - all neutral/lightweight shoes that I've been able to put a lot of miles on.
To make an already long story short, he wants me to ditch the orthotics and use shoes with more stability and a lot of cushion. I'm really not happy about this, but I think I need to give it a try.
I still intend to buy another pair of Launch before they're gone from the Brooks website, but this new philosophy of stability shoes and cushion... I feel like I've been down this road before and it's just never worked.
What should I do? I am open to any suggestions for new shoes (aside from New Balance, Nike or Mizzuno shoes).
I pronate, have collapsed arches and generally flat feet. I am not a wealthy person and am slightly intimidated about going Runners Roost to explain this whole situation. It's like, I'm willing to spend money if I know a shoe will definitely work. I know running shoes are expensive and that's just the way it is... but this kind of change is tough!
I really appreciate your help!
Nicole |
|
|
lkizz
1012 Posts |
Posted - November 26 2012 : 15:40:12
|
True, you probably would get more responses on the other Forums where there is more traffic .
I think I would get a second opinion. Cushion and control are usually mutually exclusive in running shoes. The extra cushion in fact means less stability and it makes sense when you think about it – as your foot sinks into the mid sole its more apt to twist and bend which can mean more stress on the knee. I’ve been having success with neutral shoes and running more to the fore foot, it takes a lot stress off your knees, it takes a while to get use to, but after a while becomes natural. I like Nike Dual Fusion, they have decent cushioning, little control, are fairly cheap and they last forever…
I wish you well.
|
 |
|
|
rodikman
5 Posts |
Posted - November 28 2012 : 21:20:30
|
I know your post is focused on shoes but have you discussed and explored your form and gait fully? I recurring issues in my knees and calves until I really buckled down and fixed my form and from there I was able to find an ideal shoe for myself. I too used to wear orthotics. I no longer wear them and I am running much more often than I was able to do for many, many years. I am also insane about stretching immediatly after I run, icing directly after that (any of my problem areas) and using the massage roller often (I should do every night but I probably do 4-6 times a week).
Our situations are probably different in many respects but I have learned that the gait makes the shoe fit if you feel me 
Sometimes you have to give up on your dreams and let them chase you for a while. |
|
|
|
NicLoves2Run
49 Posts |
Posted - November 29 2012 : 10:15:25
|
quote:
Originally posted by rodikman
I know your post is focused on shoes but have you discussed and explored your form and gait fully? I recurring issues in my knees and calves until I really buckled down and fixed my form and from there I was able to find an ideal shoe for myself. I too used to wear orthotics. I no longer wear them and I am running much more often than I was able to do for many, many years. I am also insane about stretching immediatly after I run, icing directly after that (any of my problem areas) and using the massage roller often (I should do every night but I probably do 4-6 times a week).
Our situations are probably different in many respects but I have learned that the gait makes the shoe fit if you feel me
Sometimes you have to give up on your dreams and let them chase you for a while.
Hi - I never really had "recurring" issues with my knee - this was a fluke thing and poor judgment on my part. I was prescribed orthotics for shin splints which turned into multible stress fractures when I was 14. Admittedly, my form was altogether terrible when I started running as a freshman in high school. It took a couple of years, but I got much better in terms of my form.
My orthopedic surgeon back then concluded the problem was actually in my feet - he was right. The orthotics took care of my shin splints. I was generally injury free for the rest of high school up until a few years ago.
I had my gait analyzed at Fleet Feet about 10 years ago. They took a neutral shoe and had me run on a treadmill both with and without my orthotics. After watching the difference between the two videos, the difference was very clear. (One leg was much worse than the other - probabaly the one I'd had stress fractures in). The other leg was pretty much fine.
I know this is a lot. There probably isn't a right answer to my original post. The only thing I know is that my body is extremely sensitive to even the slightest changes in running shoes. I had to ditch the lastest version of the ghost because there was a minor change in it that threw everything off. It's a bit maddening when new versions of shoes come out with "improved" features.
Thank you for your input.
Nicole |
|
|
|
NicLoves2Run
49 Posts |
Posted - January 09 2013 : 13:11:52
|
In case anyone is interested in an update, I took my doctor's running shoe advice. I ditched my Brooks Launch and othotics, went to Runner's Roost on Saturday and bought the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12. They came highly recommended and seemed to fit the description of what my doctor wanted me to buy.
Oh dear....
My Adrenaline shoes now have over 20 miles on them and the pain in my calves and heels is unbearable. I am having difficulty just walking around at work. 
When you go to the doctor for help with a problem, take his advice and then end up with more problems than you went in with, it's just not a good feeling. *sigh* |
|
|
|
plpjap
135 Posts |
Posted - January 09 2013 : 23:25:34
|
Nicole - I sure wish you the best. It sounds like you've tried everything. You said you had your gait checked 10 years ago....was that during the time you were injured and maybe running a bit differently? Or were you healed at the time? I have had a knee issue and have tried changing my form. It seems to have helped although it's very difficult for this old guy and I have had to really concentrate until it felt more natural. Most runners are heel strikers. They may think they are not (I was in this camp until I saw otherwise) but watch some of the videos on the Checkers site and stop the action. Even the top runners are heel strikers. Any doubts and they just have to check the bottoms of their trainers and see where the most wear is. Here is a video you can watch that...who knows....may help....especially at the 1:50 to about the 2:40 mark. What do you have to lose at this point. Best of luck.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rkUqkdPQHis |
|
|
|
NicLoves2Run
49 Posts |
Posted - January 10 2013 : 12:34:04
|
Thank you, plpjap. My gait was analyzed at Fleet Feet 10 years ago simply because I needed new running shoes (no injury). I had won a gift certificate at a race and figured I should use it. Gait analysis at FF was a big deal at the time, so that plus free shoes was a pretty good deal.
I was 18 at the time. The knee thing started when I was 25 (I'll be 30 this June).
Yes, I am a heel-to-toe striker. I used to sluggishly pound my forefoot into the ground when I was a freshman in high school, not move my arms or stand upright. It was pretty bad.
I worked a lot on that throughout high school. The rule of thumb for me became this: if I could hear my feet pounding on the ground, I was doing something wrong.
I'm at work right now so youtube is blocked here, but I will check out that video when I get home.
Thank you again.
Nicole |
|
|
|
SD
203 Posts |
Posted - January 17 2013 : 19:18:03
|
Hi Nicole
Have you ever considered the Run Smart Analysis people. These guys are good. Its what they do. Might be something to think about. We would love to see you back out there healthy and running again. |
|
|
|
NicLoves2Run
49 Posts |
Posted - January 17 2013 : 20:54:41
|
Hi Sue -
I believe someone else recommended them on the Forum in the injuries section. Then I just ended up seeing my doctor and thought all would be fine.
Run Smart Analysis seems like it's worth a shot. I'll ask my doctor if he can refer me - I'm seeing him soon. I don't think I fully understood what Run Smart did. Sounds like it's my best option. Thanks for the clarification!
Nicole  |
|
|
|
NicLoves2Run
49 Posts |
Posted - January 17 2013 : 21:10:12
|
Oh my, plpjap... after watching the youtube video I see I am doing EVERYTHING I shouldn't be doing!
I am so accustomed to running with a large kick ahead of me and landing on my heel. But he is right - my knee is taking the bulk of the shock and I have been starting to have back pain as well.
Can you teach an old dog new tricks? lol! (not that I'm old or anything... just sayin')
Thanks everyone! |
|
|
|
Admin
273 Posts |
Posted - January 19 2013 : 12:19:46
|
Good call Nicole. I too have tended to run that way for years. The extra long stride had been my "secret weapon" in younger years but its catching up with me now --- I've experienced a lot of knee trouble this century. If you engage their services and you think its helpful then please share the experience here!
"Run Smart" has a colorful ad on the RESULTS page here: http://buffalorunners.com/results.asp
Check it out.
JEFF
|
|
|
|
NicLoves2Run
49 Posts |
Posted - January 19 2013 : 16:59:19
|
Sounds good, Jeff.
On a slightly unrelated note, I'm actually having a dysplastic mole removed from my foot on Monday. No running for two weeks... (Did I ever mention I'm sick of doctors?)
But when I get there I will let everyone know how it goes!
Nicole  |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Need Advice - shoes
