After what appeared to be a great return to work, short hikes and walks, I suffered a significant setback during the second week of August that resulted in disabling pain.
What I thought was just pain from a fatigued ankle resulted in my entire lower right side seizing up and leaving me unable to walk. I was crawling around my house literally yelping in pain. I guess that's what I get for having such a high pain threshold and 'powering' through the stiffness and burning muscle pains.
After multiple doctor and PT visits, I believe and hope I am on the path to healing. So WTF was it? I have myofascial tightness that made my peroneus longus muscle, Iliotibial band, and piriformis muscle seize up tight and irritate my sciatic nerve.
This appears to stem from the nerve pain and tightness in my ankle and six weeks of immobility/limited mobility in the walking boot.
While I am frustrated by all of this, I can still find the humor in my situation.
I bought my first bathing suit in fifteen years so I can do the Healing Waters and Fluid Moves water therapy classes offered at our local swim center. These modified classes are held in an 89 degree pool and offer one-on-one coaching for those with arthritis and/or sports injuries.
I am paying someone to make me painful! I have been getting 90-minute myofascial release massages that focus on breaking up scar tissue and releasing tight muscles and tendons using deep tissue massage and pressure points. Holy crap! Ouch! After the first massage I still had my nerve pain, but my muscles were not like bricks anymore.
I also have some fascia release exercises and stretching exercises from the physical therapist. Check out the tools I have to use in releasing the myofascia!
I have a love-hate-love relationship with the foam roller. The spoon serves as my inexpensive substitute for a Graston tool.
I'll admit I've had a rough couple of weeks and been in the dumps feeling sorry for myself because I cannot do some of the simplest things that bring me pleasure. However, I am thankful for not having something more serious as well as for the kind words and actions of others.
And, I am inspired by the blogs of the thru-hikers and section hikers I've been following this season on the PCT. So many of them have such incredible stories to share.
My PCT time this year will be limited to supporting one or two people I already promised to help. If you are on the PCT this summer please be so kind as to provide some magic to any thru-hikers you can.
