Dear Doctor Brett:I have been running for two years. I would describe myself as a fitness runner who runs approximately 10-15 miles per week in 4 days. I am getting ready for my first marathon upcoming in 3 months. My question is do I need a coach or training group to prepare or can I…

Dear Doctor Brett:I have recently noticed numbness in my right forearm and hand. I also have pain in the same forearm from my hand to my elbow. My left arm is fine. I am an administrative assistant by profession and I am typing at the computer all day. Can these symptoms be caused by my…

Dear Doctor Brett:I wake up every morning with a dull ache in my low back. I am a 35 year old woman , relatively fit and have never injured myself aside from workout soreness. My husband thinks that it may be my chair or position at my desk as I am an accountant. I am…

Dear Doctor Brett:My office staff and I undertook a fund raising challenge and entered as a team in a local triathlon. I have been running three days per week for years, no problems. I am a new swimmer and the water is my biggest challenge. I hired a coach and my stroke is coming along,…

Dear Doctor Brett:I am a weekend runner and I wonder how important shoe selection is?I purchase my shoes at a national sporting goods chain and only select the big name running shoes. Is there any real difference between in brands or models? Dear Weekend Runner:The first thing you should do is go to your nearest…

Dear Doctor Brett:I just returned from a weekend of mountain biking in the High Sierras. I am a weekend rider and put on about 30 miles in a weekend with my riding buddies. I now have excruciating pain on the outside of my left knee and can hardly walk. I haven’t fallen or injured my…

Dear Doctor Brett:I am soaking my painful, swollen and discolored ankle for the LAST time! I have chronically unstable ankles that I rolled again and I have all but given up on trail running. My trail shoes were selected by “experts” 200 miles ago and I wear custom orthotics. Please, what else can I do…