Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Problem Solved?

I went to see the doctor (also licensed chiro) today about my knee and turns out I had a completely twisted hip that was pulling my left leg up and back causing an on-the-bike leg length discrepancy of 1/2 inch. I got adjusted and that took care of the leg length issue and straighted out my hips. What was happening was that my left hip was being pulled back and up so the top of my left leg was being pointed outward from the hip to the knee. In my pedaling motion I was trying to keep my foot straight so the bottom of my leg from knee to foot was pointing in. Obviously when part of your leg is going one way and the other part is going the other way there is going to be an issue. Basically my leg was being twisted by my asymmetrical hips. So with that supposedly being solved as I walked out of the doctor's office this afternoon I couldn't wait to get on the bike tonight. I took out the wedges that I had built up under the left cleat to compensate for my short left leg and started to ride away. I rode for 2hrs 45 minutes and was virtually pain free, it was really great to finally be able to ride the bike again without constantly thinking about the knee pain. Now I have to see how long this will last, the doctor said the adjustment should be permanent but I may have to go back eventually. He said it may have been caused by any sort of trauma or just the way I've been sitting in a cubicle for the last 10 years. I did have a good crash last year on the bike, slipped on some ice this winter, but that's about it for trauma so not sure quite what did it. I'm happy either way for right now. Well, I'm keeping it short, gotta get some sleep. Until next time.......

2 comments:

ScootsOnMoots said...

So you say you got an adjustment. What exactly does that mean? You got a couple wing nuts and a fetzer valve? Maybe something even cooler that I've not seen on Fletch?

Brian Carlson said...

The doctor I saw is a regular family doctor but also a chiropractor and homeopathic doctor as well, he covers everything. He basically said my pelvis was twisted so he laid me on my side and did something where he cracked my back/pelvis. It sounded like Rice Krispies x 100 and it felt like he broke my spine. That basically solved the issue as my left leg is not lifting up a 1/2 inch anymore on the bike and the leg motion is straight. I need a new seat now though as mine tilts left...and it sounds like I could use a fetzer valve too I think. Whatever that is.