Joints

Over the past few months I've experienced snapping in my hips and an increase in joint pain in my knees after workouts. I finally decided to see a doctor.

After several x-rays, it was determined that I do not have any breaks or tears, but the muscles around my knees are weak, and it's affecting my stride. This is likely the cause of my hip pain. My doctor is setting me up with a physical therapist, and if that doesn't help I may have to see a sports medicine specialist.

She also recommended that I visit a shoe store called Second Sole to be fitted with a shoe that can give me better arch support. I went today and the knowledgeable employee I worked with recommended a few pairs for me to try. I went with these: http://www.scott-sports.com/gb_en/product/10752/58796/218740

I don't know much about shoes. This pair definitely felt like it had less padding than some of the other pairs I tried on, but a lot of the super-padded ones felt weird on my feet. I'm thinking maybe I should have thought a little more about my final decision. The shoes I bought are comfortable, but maybe the slight annoyance of having my feet hugged in weird places (arch, sides, heel) is something I need to get used to. Maybe that's the best for my feet. This is a $100+ investment so I want to make sure it's right. I'm kind of stressing about it.

I've never spent this much on a pair of shoes in my life. I see it as an investment in my health and well-being. I want to take care of my feet and legs now so this doesn't become a chronic issue.

So right now I'm feeling nervous, anxious, and a little defeated. I am worried about how long physical therapy is going to take, if I'm going to see results, how much it's going to cost if it's not covered by my insurance, and whether these shoes are going to work out. I'm also disappointed that this stuff is affecting my workout. I was finally starting to see results from my shift in workout regimen, consultation with a trainer, and change in diet (I've begun counting calories on Livestrong.com and I'm doing really well with it). Now I find that I can't do the workout I want to do because I'm experiencing pain. I feel like I'm doing everything right and my body is working against me. It's pretty disconcerting.

Right now I need to try and stay positive. I need to be more careful about what I consume since I might not be able to do as much cardio or work out as extensively as I'm used to. I'm a determined person and I know I can do well with physical therapy and that I'll be diligent with whatever exercises they give me. So here it goes. Here's to getting back into top form.

A Successful Month

About a month ago, I finally busted out of my slump and have managed to exercise 5+ days/week since then. I'm not seeing a huge physical difference yet, but cardio is definitely getting easier. I've been mostly doing the elliptical, but occasionally mixing it up with a bike or a treadmill (or a cardio kickboxing class).

Also, as a habitual soda drinker, I've decided that, rather than trying to cut it out completely, I'd cut back. During the slump I was definitely drinking some every day. Now, I'm at about half as much. Not ideal, but, better.

I hope I can keep my momentum going and at least improvise some on my upcoming trip out of town on St. Patrick's Day weekend. Anyone have suggestions for exercise on the go?

How's everyone else doing?? (I think Mary is busy eating a 3-pound cinnamon roll?)