It's a Long Road

For the last several months, I've been suffering from a mysterious ankle injury.  Resting off the bike through Jan and Feb did not resolve the pain in my right ankle.  Although I'm reluctant to see a doctor under most circumstances, I finally broke down and went to a highly respected Sports Medicine certified orthopedist.

My first visit, playing right into my initial fears, the doctor recommended a cortizone shot into the joint to resolve the persistent pain and swelling.  I agreed after some deliberation.  The doctor felt I had compressed the joint through my weightlifting or other activity and the joint just couldn't overcome the injury without some "assistance".  It seemed like a solid argument.  My newly injected ankle and I went on our way with a regimen of further rest and light self-rehab.  After 2 weeks, I revisited the same orthopedist who said everything was peachy and I could restart my activities, lightly at first.

After only two rides, my symptoms recurred.  I had a lot of discomfort on and off the bike.  Not thinking my initial care was aggressive enough, I sought out the premier ankle specialist in Atlanta.  A quick meeting and an MRI order later, I was ordered to not do any activities that involved my lower body until we had a reading from the MRI.  At this point, I was off the bike already for almost 7 weeks.

The MRI showed longitudinal tears of the peroneous longus and brevis tendons.  These tendons are involved in pretty much everything related to ankle motion.  The nature of these tears was not in line with surgical repair.  My only option, other than full immobilization and rest, was to undergo PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment directly into the tendons.  I've had this procedure before and was familiar with its efficacy.

Almost 3 weeks after the MRI-assisted diagnosis, I underwent PRP.  This was followed by another 5 weeks of full rest.

It's now almost 4 months since this whole saga started.  My next follow-up to gauge my progress is in two days.  The ankle feels stronger but still has intermittent sharp pain.  That not withstanding, I've been back in the gym working on core and upper body strength.  I've also been swimming again with a floatie between my legs to keep me from kicking.

On Saturday, I went for my first ride, even without the doctor's permission.  So far so good...