What % do you think obesity contributes to the health problems in our country? (ETA - and why is rucking the best answer? :) ) Part II

[Toddrn]

My orthopedic surgeon (sports medicine specialist) says this type of tear is not really surgically reparable. Apparently, most tears are around the edges, whereas my tear goes more or less straight into the middle, where there's no blood supply. You surely know more about this than me, but from talking to him only the outer third or so of the meniscus has blood supply, so stitches to the middle section are only there to hold things in place, but the meniscus won't actually heal.

He told me he could 'repair' it surgically, but that he wouldn't count on it holding. Could last six weeks, could last six months, but almost certainly would't last six years (unless I stopped working out). I go in every year or so for a checkup and he's said as long as there isn't any extra damage, I can put off a TKR as long as I can withstand the pain. Most days it's fine, just uncomfortable, but occasionally it gets pretty bad, that's when ice and compression sleeves are my friends.

I just keep reminding myself it could be worse, and Goggins would tell me to stop whining and do the work.

Neither of my tears were where there was good blood flow. What he did was clean it up and smooth it out. That way it allows the bones to slide on the meniscus, like they should, without catching or pinching down on the tear. It's a very simple and quick procedure. Might be worth a shot and move that TKR further out.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

@crimsonaudio

Almost every single time I ruck, my Achilles tendon is very sore/hurts. Always my left too. Am I doing something wrong. I never have this issue biking.

 

[crimsonaudio]

@crimsonaudio

Almost every single time I ruck, my Achilles tendon is very sore/hurts. Always my left too. Am I doing something wrong. I never have this issue biking.

Couple of things - you're probably going heavier / faster than your legs are ready for - I'd try lowering your ruck weight and / or your ruck speed to see if that helps. Also, shoe selection is critical wrt rucking - took me almost a year to find the right shoe for me. Everyone's physiology is different so you need to experiment with different shoes, but you need to make sure it has good cushioning.

You also need to make sure your current shoes aren't worn out - after about 400 miles on a pair of shoes I can start feeling it in my knees and feet - the cushioning is toast (by that point the soles are generally shot, too, so replacement inserts don't help).

Finally, if you're not using a simple heel-lock with your shoestrings, I'd highly recommend it - once your heel is 'locked' into the back of the shoe and that movement is reduced, you'll generally find a lot of things feel better wrt your feet.

In short:
- reduce the weight - even if it seems light - it takes a while (and consistent training) for all the little support muscles in your feet and legs to strengthen and grow accustomed to supporting the load
- check your shoes - if they're old / worn, replace them. It's worth going to a specialty shop (at least until you find your go to shoe) that can fit you with a good pair.
- train regularly: 3x per week is good enough to build those support muscles. When it becomes too easy, add a bit more weight.

Lastly, if you find this issues persists even when not rucking, go see a doc. Could be a bone spur or similar that's only exacerbated by the increased load of rucking.

 

[Padreruf]

My orthopedic surgeon (sports medicine specialist) says this type of tear is not really surgically reparable. Apparently, most tears are around the edges, whereas my tear goes more or less straight into the middle, where there's no blood supply. You surely know more about this than me, but from talking to him only the outer third or so of the meniscus has blood supply, so stitches to the middle section are only there to hold things in place, but the meniscus won't actually heal.

He told me he could 'repair' it surgically, but that he wouldn't count on it holding. Could last six weeks, could last six months, but almost certainly would't last six years (unless I stopped working out). I go in every year or so for a checkup and he's said as long as there isn't any extra damage, I can put off a TKR as long as I can withstand the pain. Most days it's fine, just uncomfortable, but occasionally it gets pretty bad, that's when ice and compression sleeves are my friends.

I just keep reminding myself it could be worse, and Goggins would tell me to stop whining and do the work.

As a pastor I had literall dozens of members have TKR...to a person they told me they wish they had done it sooner. My spouse has had both knees replaced and she swears by it -- including both hips and one shoulder. Arthritis is rampant in her body -- genetics! Her twin sister is on the same path.

I've had one knee scoped and a shot in the other -- both are fine.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

Couple of things - you're probably going heavier / faster than your legs are ready for - I'd try lowering your ruck weight and / or your ruck speed to see if that helps. Also, shoe selection is critical wrt rucking - took me almost a year to find the right shoe for me. Everyone's physiology is different so you need to experiment with different shoes, but you need to make sure it has good cushioning.

You also need to make sure your current shoes aren't worn out - after about 400 miles on a pair of shoes I can start feeling it in my knees and feet - the cushioning is toast (by that point the soles are generally shot, too, so replacement inserts don't help).

Finally, if you're not using a simple heel-lock with your shoestrings, I'd highly recommend it - once your heel is 'locked' into the back of the shoe and that movement is reduced, you'll generally find a lot of things feel better wrt your feet.

In short:
- reduce the weight - even if it seems light - it takes a while (and consistent training) for all the little support muscles in your feet and legs to strengthen and grow accustomed to supporting the load
- check your shoes - if they're old / worn, replace them. It's worth going to a specialty shop (at least until you find your go to shoe) that can fit you with a good pair.
- train regularly: 3x per week is good enough to build those support muscles. When it becomes too easy, add a bit more weight.

Lastly, if you find this issues persists even when not rucking, go see a doc. Could be a bone spur or similar that's only exacerbated by the increased load of rucking.

I will skip the ruck tonight and reduce the weight from 25 to 15 maybe even 10. My coworker said I was doing too much too fast and I didn't listen.

 

[crimsonaudio]

I will skip the ruck tonight and reduce the weight from 25 to 15 maybe even 10. My coworker said I was doing too much too fast and I didn't listen.

Also, don't underestimate the power of icing these types of injuries - short of a surgical procedure, 99% of the advice you get from an ortho doc is going to be 'ice it and take NSAIDs'.

 

[crimsonaudio]

As a pastor I had literall dozens of members have TKR...to a person they told me they wish they had done it sooner. My spouse has had both knees replaced and she swears by it -- including both hips and one shoulder. Arthritis is rampant in her body -- genetics! Her twin sister is on the same path.

I've had one knee scoped and a shot in the other -- both are fine.

Yeah, now that they've developed 'athletic' knee joints I've been thinking about it. Otherwise, I was told I would likely wear out a typical replacement in about a decade (due to my daily training) and would have to go through it again.

It sure would be nice to be free of this constant pain, but I know there are lots of people living with much worse.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

Couple of things - you're probably going heavier / faster than your legs are ready for - I'd try lowering your ruck weight and / or your ruck speed to see if that helps. Also, shoe selection is critical wrt rucking - took me almost a year to find the right shoe for me. Everyone's physiology is different so you need to experiment with different shoes, but you need to make sure it has good cushioning.

You also need to make sure your current shoes aren't worn out - after about 400 miles on a pair of shoes I can start feeling it in my knees and feet - the cushioning is toast (by that point the soles are generally shot, too, so replacement inserts don't help).

Finally, if you're not using a simple heel-lock with your shoestrings, I'd highly recommend it - once your heel is 'locked' into the back of the shoe and that movement is reduced, you'll generally find a lot of things feel better wrt your feet.

In short:
- reduce the weight - even if it seems light - it takes a while (and consistent training) for all the little support muscles in your feet and legs to strengthen and grow accustomed to supporting the load
- check your shoes - if they're old / worn, replace them. It's worth going to a specialty shop (at least until you find your go to shoe) that can fit you with a good pair.
- train regularly: 3x per week is good enough to build those support muscles. When it becomes too easy, add a bit more weight.

Lastly, if you find this issues persists even when not rucking, go see a doc. Could be a bone spur or similar that's only exacerbated by the increased load of rucking.

Forgot to reduce the weight last night but had to stop anyway due to an emergency (think Jeff Daniels in the bathroom in Dumb ans Dumber). Tried again today with reduced weight. It felt weird and too light, but did 5.65 miles. Plan on going again on Sunday and Monday despite the cold. Looks like snow again on Tuesday so I will skip that day

 

[DzynKingRTR]

Couple of things - you're probably going heavier / faster than your legs are ready for - I'd try lowering your ruck weight and / or your ruck speed to see if that helps. Also, shoe selection is critical wrt rucking - took me almost a year to find the right shoe for me. Everyone's physiology is different so you need to experiment with different shoes, but you need to make sure it has good cushioning.

You also need to make sure your current shoes aren't worn out - after about 400 miles on a pair of shoes I can start feeling it in my knees and feet - the cushioning is toast (by that point the soles are generally shot, too, so replacement inserts don't help).

Finally, if you're not using a simple heel-lock with your shoestrings, I'd highly recommend it - once your heel is 'locked' into the back of the shoe and that movement is reduced, you'll generally find a lot of things feel better wrt your feet.

In short:
- reduce the weight - even if it seems light - it takes a while (and consistent training) for all the little support muscles in your feet and legs to strengthen and grow accustomed to supporting the load
- check your shoes - if they're old / worn, replace them. It's worth going to a specialty shop (at least until you find your go to shoe) that can fit you with a good pair.
- train regularly: 3x per week is good enough to build those support muscles. When it becomes too easy, add a bit more weight.

Lastly, if you find this issues persists even when not rucking, go see a doc. Could be a bone spur or similar that's only exacerbated by the increased load of rucking.

I noticed today that my shoes are quite worn at this point. I currently use an Under Armour Charged cross trainer. Is there a better shoe I should use?

 

[crimsonaudio]

I noticed today that my shoes are quite worn at this point. I currently use an Under Armour Charged cross trainer. Is there a better shoe I should use?

Probably.

This is where individual physiology makes recommendations pointless - what works for me might be terrible for you as we have different feet, physical builds, gaits, etc. You need a good shoe (I generally prefer running shoes and am partial to Brooks - I'm on my 24th pair of Adrenalines now) and the best way to find one if to go to a reputable running store and get fitted. Won't cost you anything but your time (although these stores typically charge MSRP so you won't get the cheapest deal - but to find your best shoe it's worth it for the first pair) and they will be able to fit you with a shoe that works best for YOU, whether you over or under-pronate, need neutral shoes, want more heel-drop, etc. They'll know what to put you in, it's what they do.

Go to some place like FleetFeet and get yourself fitted - you'll need to budget $150 or so for the shoes, but your feet will thank you. I've logged over 14k ruck miles and have zero foot problems.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

Probably.

This is where individual physiology makes recommendations pointless - what works for me might be terrible for you as we have different feet, physical builds, gaits, etc. You need a good shoe (I generally prefer running shoes and am partial to Brooks - I'm on my 24th pair of Adrenalines now) and the best way to find one if to go to a reputable running store and get fitted. Won't cost you anything but your time (although these stores typically charge MSRP so you won't get the cheapest deal - but to find your best shoe it's worth it for the first pair) and they will be able to fit you with a shoe that works best for YOU, whether you over or under-pronate, need neutral shoes, want more heel-drop, etc. They'll know what to put you in, it's what they do.

Go to some place like FleetFeet and get yourself fitted - you'll need to budget $150 or so for the shoes, but your feet will thank you. I've logged over 14k ruck miles and have zero foot problems.

I designed a fleet feet in Lawrenceville,
Georgia many years ago, so I am aware of them. Pretty sure it is still there

 

[crimsonaudio]

I designed a fleet feet in Lawrenceville,
Georgia many years ago, so I am aware of them. Pretty sure it is still there

Looks like it:

 

[oskie]

I noticed today that my shoes are quite worn at this point. I currently use an Under Armour Charged cross trainer. Is there a better shoe I should use?

Probably.

This is where individual physiology makes recommendations pointless - what works for me might be terrible for you as we have different feet, physical builds, gaits, etc. You need a good shoe (I generally prefer running shoes and am partial to Brooks - I'm on my 24th pair of Adrenalines now) and the best way to find one if to go to a reputable running store and get fitted. Won't cost you anything but your time (although these stores typically charge MSRP so you won't get the cheapest deal - but to find your best shoe it's worth it for the first pair) and they will be able to fit you with a shoe that works best for YOU, whether you over or under-pronate, need neutral shoes, want more heel-drop, etc. They'll know what to put you in, it's what they do.

Go to some place like FleetFeet and get yourself fitted - you'll need to budget $150 or so for the shoes, but your feet will thank you. I've logged over 14k ruck miles and have zero foot problems.

GORUCK has good footwear made specifically for rucking, of course.

You might give them a look.

They really feel good on my feet, and the wide toe box suits me very well, personally.

I always buy them on sale, because they are a bit pricey, but they have a good warranty.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

I have a short wide foot and my left is a full size smaller than my right. I wonder if that has anything to do with my achilles tendon pain? It and of makes some sense. The left foot will always have a shoe on it that is too big.

 

[oskie]

I have a short wide foot and my left is a full size smaller than my right. I wonder if that has anything to do with my achilles tendon pain? It and of makes some sense. The left foot will always have a shoe on it that is too big.

That's tough to deal with I'm sure. Can't imagine it not causing problems under rucking conditions.

If that was my situation, I would have to look into custom made shoes. Or, maybe buy two pair - one in each size.

However, I am a novice, so I am certainly not qualified to advise.

 

[crimsonaudio]

GORUCK has good footwear made specifically for rucking, of course.

You might give them a look.

They really feel good on my feet, and the wide toe box suits me very well, personally.

I always buy them on sale, because they are a bit pricey, but they have a good warranty.

FTR, i have wide feet and the Goruck shoes are just too narrow, even with their wide toe box. By way of comparison, I wear 4E in the Brooks Adrenalines. I also cannot wear Nike for the same reason.

 

[oskie]

FTR, i have wide feet and the Goruck shoes are just too narrow, even with their wide toe box. By way of comparison, I wear 4E in the Brooks Adrenalines. I also cannot wear Nike for the same reason.

As you said above, it's pointless to recommend for the reasons you stated.

Plus, it's very risky to buy a shoe that you can't be fitted for before you purchase.

I am just fortunate that the GORUCK's work for me. They are extremely comfortable on my foot.

I would be embarrassed to admit how many pair of GORUCK's I own. I wear them for all occasions. And I do mean all. You would laugh at the places I have worn them.

 

[crimsonaudio]

A decent start...

13,711 ruck miles in the last six years.

 

[B1GTide]

A decent start...

13,711 ruck miles in the last six years.


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I still hate that Garmin won't create a Rucking activity. I have to create custom activities for this.

 

[crimsonaudio]

I still hate that Garmin won't create a Rucking activity. I have to create custom activities for this.

I use the run for two reasons:
1- I can't really run with my bad knee, and
2- runs are one of the 'big three' on Strava, meaning you get all the data vs only some of the data you get from any exercise not running, cycling, or swimming

I've heard rumors for years they were going to add a ruck category, but at this point I'll just stick with calling them runs, knowing full well I'm burning more kcals than it reports.