Flexor digitorum longus injury

Question
Last Oct. I injured what I believe is my FDL on my right calf. I even got black and blue below muscle.  I let it heal, began running again (I am a marathon runner, Boston in '10, 2 a year, about 40 mi per week year around).  On a trail run (I run trails too) I re-tweaked it, took time off and started again SLOWLY, just as before.  Just this past wed. on a short 6 mi. 7:50 pace (I felt good) it pulled again!!!  I am 59 yrs old, I am seeing my Dr. for a deep muscle massage this week.  I think I may have scar tissue that is now repeatedly tearing.  I hope through deep muscle massage and a month off, with only RE mileage, swimming and XT. I will heal for good.  What do you think?  I am very frustrated.

Answer
Larry

sorry to hear about friend, sounds a bit painful. Scar tissue would definitely be a culprit there, and could assist in that 'tearing'. Time off and therapy are the best solutions. And if time off is just too much for you, the transition to swimming will be very beneficial and still keep you healthy and training well. It's amazing what water therapy can do for a person.

Sorry it's feeling this way, i completely understand your frustration, but everyone's bodies are different and go through the healing process in different times - so just stay positive, understand that this will help you in the long run, and your future running.

Absolutely applaud you for running the way you do at almost 60 years of age, very impressive!