So-called plantar fasciitis and iliotibial band syndrome are neither. They’re not where the pain is!

So-called plantar fasciitis and iliotibial band syndrome are neither. They're not where the pain is!

In my humble opinion, both the condition doctors and podiatrists call plantar fasciitis and I call nociceptive foot pain (NFP), and the pain in the knee that sports physicians call iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) and I call nociceptive lateral knee pain (NLKP), are states of nociceptive or warning pain, and these problems do not lie in the location of their respective pains. The best approach is presented in ... Read more

Ironman with Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Training is like building soil stucture in the vegetable garden. Your ability to rebound and tolerate challenges (or bad weather and bugs) will be a function of your base. This you create throughout life. In my garden, I use liberal doses of free compost from the town. For my training, I call on a lifetime of athletics, including more recently, 25-years of triathlons including my favorite, full Ironman. So glad I ... Read more

Can Knowledge Of Running Biomechanics Rescue My Ironman Kona Dream?

Running Biomechanics With progressive peripheral vascular disease, plus the underlying non-compliant (rigid, non-elastic) abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) stent graft, which also limits blood flow to my legs, my last Marathon, in Maine was a foot pain nightmare. Should I give up Ironman? F**k that. As The Martian said, "It's time to science the shit out of this." I love that movie, even bought it! Science fiction ... Read more

Hoping To Complete Another Ironman With Vascular Disease: Winter Strength Training Begins

Hoping To Complete Another Ironman With Vascular Disease: Winter Strength Training Begins

Ironman With Vascular Disease Completing an Ironman with peripheral vascular disease, plus an aortic aneurysm stent graft, is a bit of a puzzle. I love puzzles - OQS time. After a poor performance at the Maine Marathon, due to intense foot pain, I'm revisiting the challenge of running with limited blood flow to my feet. Especially my right foot - stenosis of branches of the popliteal artery. By the way: ... Read more

Getting A Little Older? Did They Test Your Body Awareness Level?

Getting A Little Older? Did They Test Your Body Awareness Level?

Your Body Awareness Level? Here's A Simple Test You Can Do For Free!  As you get older they'll test: Your eyesight. Your hearing. Your sense of smell, if your lucky, as it's an early sign of mental decline. They'll test your reflexes (tap, tap). They'll test your liver and kidney function (what a difference the vacutainer made to my life as a farm vet in the 1960s). But will they test ... Read more

Marketing Runs The Medical Industry, So Advertise If You Are Purveying Something Of Value

Marketing Runs The Medical Industry, So Advertise If You Are Purveying Something Of Value

Medical Industry? These are the people who save my life, that I am doing battle with, today! The medical industry is essentially a business in the USA. I'm afraid to let you know this, but doctors don't know everything. They know a lot, but not everything. They sure don't seem to understand acute morning heel pain, and they can't tell you how to live with aortic disease, either. That's your call, my aortic ... Read more

Don’t Trust Your Doctor, Hone And Trust Your Instincts!

Don't Trust Your Doctor, Hone And Trust Your Instincts!

Don't Trust Your Doctor? Unless Your Instincts Tell You Too! If you want to see the data, go to this link. Even some doctors say don't trust your doctor! Trust Has To Be Built Advice to doctors, based on preliminary survey data: Listen to your patients and let them know you are listening. When I sign up for a race, I have friends who say, "Did your doctor give you permission?" I think, "Permission. Who are ... Read more

It’s Not About The Marathon Finisher Medal, But The Training Definitely Improved Calf Claudication

It's Not About The Marathon Finisher Medal, But The Training Definitely Improved Calf Claudication

As I hobbled over the finish line, I Tried To Decline The Marathon Finisher Medal But They Insisted! They gave me the medal for coming in last. Literally last! Deb had a great first marathon. I keep telling her she's a natural athlete! Race Analysis: My run fell apart in the second half of the race. Foot pain kicked in with a vengeance, while calf claudication had vanished by three miles or ... Read more

Disclaimer: As a veterinarian, I do not provide medical advice for human animals. If you undertake or modify an exercise program, consult your medical advisors before doing so. Undertaking activities pursued by the author does not mean that he endorses your undertaking such activities, which is clearly your decision and responsibility. Be careful and sensible, please.