The Verdict is...
Well, I went to the orthopedic doctor yesterday. There's good news and bad news. The actual diagnosis of my knee malady is 'inflammation of the patella (kneecap)'. Basically, my knee isn't tracking correctly because I a tendon on one side of my knee is too tight and it's causing it to not move with the rest of the joint when I run. He gave me meds to take to get the pain and inflammation under control and a band to do specific exercises to strengthen the other side of my lower thigh muscle to help balance it out.
The good news is that I can still run, as long as I play it safe and don't over-do it. I am supposed to run on softer surfaces (grass, dirt) for a while and whenever possible. I can still train for and run my marathon, barring any significant changes in the pain.
The bad news is that it could get worse if the muscles don't strengthen properly and adjust the issue. If that happens, I am looking at cortisone shots and possibly surgery. BUT even if I have to have surgery, I can run afterwards, after the healing process is done... and it will probably fix me up to 'good as new' status. *crossing fingers*
I am thinking positively... the medications and the exercises WILL work and I will be able to run indefinitely and without surgery.
I met a few people from our local running club on the Macon Tracks website/forum, and I am planning on hooking up with a running group that they have in the next couple of weeks who run mostly on dirt and grass trails in the area. God brings people into our lives at just the right time, doesn't He?
Well, I have to get to work now. Have a great day!!
~Becki~