Kind of interesting question..
I'm a runner and have been for a few years now. I'm starting to struggle with nagging pains etc. in my knees and ankles. I figure that some of it is caused by my odd gait due to the excess skin on my inner thighs. Yes, I wear compression gear but it's not enough and forcing me to have to run like a chicken basically.
Where would I go to have this looked at and documented for my medical record? What kind of physician, etc. would be able to give me answers? Sports medicine? I figure eventually it may lead to getting the skin removed but I want to do this the right way to get that end result.
Thank you.
SW/276 CW 150 GW 185
9 Years out.
Lots of stuff posted on the internet for/against it, but barefoot running shoes was the answer for me. Had knee and ankle issues but my gait changed completely / naturally when I put on those Merrell Barefoots. I also run in Vibram Fivefingers. YMMV.
Worth a try if you haven't, also just having your running posture/gait analyzed to see if your style of running is the issue. Yes, the extra skin could make your legs wider slightly than normal but I suspect there are many other factors too.
Actually, some running stores do gait analysis but probably not as intensive as you're looking for. Do a local search for Gait Analysis - - some PTs and sports medicine places do really thourough evals, though they might be a bit pricy. One PT & certified trainer I know of charges $225 for an hour. Another option is looking for a stride clinic - - my local running club conducts them monthly, and it can help with injury prevention & improving speed/endurance. I wouldn't be surprised if those non-invasive options are what drs/surgeons would want to see you tried out to prove that it really is the excess skin that's inhibiting function...
First ultra: Stone Mill 50 miler 11/15/14 13:44:38, First Full Marathon: Marine Corps 10/27/13 4:57:11, Half Marathon PR 2:04:43 at Shamrock VA Beach Half-Marathon, 12/2/12 First Half-Marathon 2:32:47, 5K PR Run Under the Lights 5K 27:23 on 11/23/13, 10K PR 52:53 Pike's Peek 10K 4/21/13, (1st timed run) Accumen 8K 51:09 10/14/12.
Lots of stuff posted on the internet for/against it, but barefoot running shoes was the answer for me. Had knee and ankle issues but my gait changed completely / naturally when I put on those Merrell Barefoots. I also run in Vibram Fivefingers. YMMV.
Worth a try if you haven't, also just having your running posture/gait analyzed to see if your style of running is the issue. Yes, the extra skin could make your legs wider slightly than normal but I suspect there are many other factors too.
I agree with the gait analysis!
I was wearing a shoe that was almost making me walk/run my very worst because I have a natural tendency to have a certain gait and the shoes I had on were 'exaggerating' that. Once I went and had the gait analysis done (free) and they put me in shoes that helped correct my gait--WOW!
HW333--SW 289--GW of 160 5' 11" woman. I only know the way I know & when you ask for input/advice, you'll get the way I've been successful through my surgeon & nutritionist. Please consult your surgeon & nutritionist for how to do it their way. Biggest regret? Not doing this 10 years ago! Every day is better than the day before...and it was a pretty great day!
