Hello,

Thanks for trusting your query with Doctor Spring. I can understand your frustration in what you are experiencing. It seems to me like you need intense physiotherapy. You are young and strong, but the extreme athleticism is taking its toll on your body and joints. Running can be especially taxing on your joints as our bodies are not built with enough shock absorbent capacity for the stresses of pounding our feet on the ground repeatedly.

Having said that, this does not mean that you should stop running or being athletic, or even have to give up your dream job. Here is what I suggest:

1. Find a good physiotherapist. Work with your physiotherapist on a weekly basis initially, and once you learn exercises you can do at home, you can wean down your visits to twice monthly and then once a month. Be patient as you will need to rehabilitate the parts that need healing such as your feet and your shoulder.

2. Deep stretching is an important way to counterbalance the stress and tension you put into your muscles and tendons. Work this into your routine, about 2 or 3 times a week. Find time in between, or before and after gymnastic sessions to allow your body to restore itself.

3. Yoga can help with alignment of your joints, strength, flexibility, and can help circulate fluids and reduce inflammation. I would recommend that if you would like to keep up with your activities, doing yoga daily will help to preserve your body's health as well as help you focus in your other activities.

4. If you plan on having a few weeks of intense physical training, try to schedule massages at least every other week. Massages can be extremely therapeutic for times when muscles are stressed and inflamed due to overuse, and can help to relieve pain and increase mobility. Talk to your physiotherapist about massage as he/she may be able to assist you.

5. Eat foods that are rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamins C, D as they will promote bone and muscle wellness.

If you experience severe pain and inflammation, or have significant limited movement in joints, then please visit a local physician to get evaluated for injury. In the meantime, start slow with activity and allow your body time to heal. If you are diligent with the above suggestions and continue with it, you should be able to rehabilitate yourself and reach optimum levels of performance and achieve your goals. Please ask any follow up questions if necessary. Take care.