Long Head Biceps Femoris Tendonitis
Basically, I've been having this lingering right fibular head pain for about 10 weeks. It was a sharp pain while I was running, but I could push through it and I could get past it. However, I started to notice after my runs I would have continuing achiness that would sometimes keep me up at night. I took it easy before my last HIM (~4 weeks ago) and made it through the race without issues. I was trying to see a sports medicine doc, but between getting a referral and trying to fit in an appt with both of our schedules, I just saw him this week.
Being in health care myself, I could look at the anatomy of the head of the fibula and recognize it was either the LCL or long head of the biceps femoris. I was hoping it wasn't the LCL as surgery is a common treatment for that. Plus, I have a tendency to have unusual injuries, so I wanted to get it checked out. After a physical exam, the doctor came to the conclusion that it's tendonitis of the long head of the biceps femoris (one of the hamstring muscles). He prescribed PT, no running and take it "easy". I start PT Wednesday and follow up in 6 weeks.
I've got IMLP next year so I'm trying to get as healthy as possible for the outseason, but fall is my favorite time to run outside. In Maine the leaves are already starting to change and the trails are amazing. I have been running about 4-5 times/week and my leg hasn't really been bothering me too much. However, since seeing the doctor on Friday, I haven't done much this weekend and it's starting to ache again. If I'm not running, it hasn't bothered me biking or swimming, so I could go back to both of those, but I really have no desire to be on my bike right now. I am trying to hold off so that I come into the outseason refreshed and ready to work hard on the bike. Swimming is a bit more social for me, so it is reasonable, but just not as appealing.
Anyone have experience with this injury? I know tendonitis takes time and rest and I don't want this to flare up later in the season, but I'm going stir-crazy already! Should I push through on the bike? Wait until I hear what PT has in store and go from there?
Comments