I would do anything to go back in time about five years and tell that Parita to be a well informed runner.  If nothing else, I would have made her buy the right running shoes for her feet.  That may have prevented the issue I’m dealing with today.  Grrr…

So I saw an Orthopedic doctor yesterday.  He thinks I could have arthritis OR a problem with my meniscus OR an even “erosion” of my knee cartilage OR a slow chipping off of my knee cartilage.  Oh boy! 

He basically offered two options.  One, from this point forward, only engage in low impact workouts and activities.  Or two, get an MRI to understand what the real problem is and go from there.  I told him I was too young to just accept my knee pain as a part of life and that I would be getting an MRI soon.  There we have it.  More updates to follow.

Based on my experience, I wanted to share a brief list of things I wish I had/had not done.  This may be handy for those of you who are as stubborn as I am.

1. Get fitted for running shoes.  Please.  I did so (too little too late at that point) and my knee actually started to feel better.  The pain wasn’t quite gone but it was better.  And I know that these new shoes are going to cost $100+, but trust me, it’s worth it.
2. If your pain (knee, back, arm, etc.) steadily continues for a period of time, don’t just sit there and wish it away.  GO SEE A DOCTOR.  I should have gone to see someone three years ago, but I didn’t.  Like a lot of people, I thought the pain would just go away on its own.  But guess what, it didn’t and now I have a potential surgery on my hands. 
3. Don’t workout through the pain.  I remember so many times where my knee would start to ache start half way through a run, and I would just push through it.  Why?  Who the hell knows!  Know that it’s ok to stop and that doing so doesn’t make you any less of a runner.
4. Don’t let the word ‘low’ deceive you…low impact workouts are awesome.  Walking is probably one of my favorite ways to get moving.  All you need is the “right” pair of shoes – that’s it!  Yoga is also a great workout – for the mind and the body.  And I’ve also found that strength training has been great for my knees (you just have to know which moves to avoid), and it’s a great way to tone up. 
5. And finally, if your pain wakes you up in the middle of the night (not just one night, multiple nights), it’s time to see a doctor.  Basically, don’t wait for something big to happen before you take action.  There comes a point where you have to see an expert and let them help you.

And in an effort to find the humor in this and every situation, I leave with you with this…