Silver Sneakers and Golden Girls
I've developed a problem with my feet. My feet are not my
strongest feature. For years I've worn orthotics in my sneakers. I never wear
truly flat shoes (like the ones in vogue right now... with all the support of a
ballet slipper). I rarely wear sandals, and only for a few hours at a time, like
to church or out to dinner. And those heels every one wears on TV. Really? No
way. I have flat feet and they tire easily when I am on them for hours at a
time. All that being said....
This summer I have added a new problem. I don't know if it is because I am working out more, but the toes next to my big toe have learned how to scream when I've exercised a lot. For years, yoga was not a problem. Suddenly, this summer, after a yoga class I would find I couldn't do my traditional 2 mile walk around the township building. Then one day after an aquatics work out, they said the same thing.... YOOWWWW!
I imagined turf toe. I suspected arthritis. I hoped for a bandaid or toe pad that would make it feel better. What I got was the diagnosis of a 'neuroma', and a cortisone shot. The pain in my toes diminished, but the bruise from the cortisone stayed for days. In a way the good news was that the doctor didn't tell me I had to cut back and stay off my feet. I've worked hard this summer. I don't feel like losing the gain.
But the doctor also said there wasn't too much that could be done. The cortisone was the first step. The verdict is still out as to how much relief it will bring, but it has put a definite crimp in my workouts. Hopefully it will take care of the problem and I can get back to normal.
The rules are simple. Shoes feel best. Slippers even work. Barefeet (Yoga) bring on the pain. Although the doctor didn't feel as if I needed to take it easy on my feet, common sense says cutting back can't hurt, (no pun intended).
I hate getting old. A few years ago I started walking and exercising hard, pelvic tilts were my new focus. I ended up with shooting pains in my butt and down my legs. It felt like electric shock! Fortunately it was short lived. After 2 weeks it stopped. But so had my walking workouts.
Bad ankles, worn out knees, arthritic hips, sore feet. It's a wonder any of us over 50 can get out of bed in the morning, let alone get into an exercise maintenance program. If this keeps up, I'm going to have to head over to the Senior Center and join the Silver Sneakers gals. I'm not ready for that. I may have a lot in common with the Golden Girls, but in my heart I just see the GIRL part.
Until I get up and walk.
Humph!
This summer I have added a new problem. I don't know if it is because I am working out more, but the toes next to my big toe have learned how to scream when I've exercised a lot. For years, yoga was not a problem. Suddenly, this summer, after a yoga class I would find I couldn't do my traditional 2 mile walk around the township building. Then one day after an aquatics work out, they said the same thing.... YOOWWWW!
I imagined turf toe. I suspected arthritis. I hoped for a bandaid or toe pad that would make it feel better. What I got was the diagnosis of a 'neuroma', and a cortisone shot. The pain in my toes diminished, but the bruise from the cortisone stayed for days. In a way the good news was that the doctor didn't tell me I had to cut back and stay off my feet. I've worked hard this summer. I don't feel like losing the gain.
But the doctor also said there wasn't too much that could be done. The cortisone was the first step. The verdict is still out as to how much relief it will bring, but it has put a definite crimp in my workouts. Hopefully it will take care of the problem and I can get back to normal.
The rules are simple. Shoes feel best. Slippers even work. Barefeet (Yoga) bring on the pain. Although the doctor didn't feel as if I needed to take it easy on my feet, common sense says cutting back can't hurt, (no pun intended).
I hate getting old. A few years ago I started walking and exercising hard, pelvic tilts were my new focus. I ended up with shooting pains in my butt and down my legs. It felt like electric shock! Fortunately it was short lived. After 2 weeks it stopped. But so had my walking workouts.
Bad ankles, worn out knees, arthritic hips, sore feet. It's a wonder any of us over 50 can get out of bed in the morning, let alone get into an exercise maintenance program. If this keeps up, I'm going to have to head over to the Senior Center and join the Silver Sneakers gals. I'm not ready for that. I may have a lot in common with the Golden Girls, but in my heart I just see the GIRL part.
Until I get up and walk.
Humph!
OMG -- I think I probably have had what you now have for quite a few years. When I first felt it, I went onto the internet and diagnosed myself with "Morton's Neuroma". My pain is basically on the gall of my feet which shoots up between the 3rd and 4th toe. It felt like those toes were being pinched. My pain is not debilitating and I have never gone to the doctor for it. It has only bothered me when I wear golf shoes, and I know about it after walking 18 holes. I tried purchasing softer, more supportive golf shoes, but that did not good, so it's something about "golf" that is doing it.
ReplyDeleteMy sketchers walking shoes are fine, and if my sandals give me support - i.e. - arch support, and put weight on the heels, they're ok, too. I do NOT wear dress shoes (or any shoes!) that in any way pinch my toes or force too much weight on the ball of my foot.
I remember your "flat feet" when you were a kid - when we were swimming. Interesting that as I have aged, my feet have flattened "some", though they are not flat.
However, I have the "bad knees" - and know pretty much for sure that the origin of those was too many bad skiing falls when I'd just get up and push through the pain. Doc says no surgery -- yet, but suspect that it's in my future.
Yeah ... this aging sucks. I always took my body for granted, and it's ... got kinks in it now... :(
Connie: Isn't it hateful how each day brings a new little twitch in some other part of our bodies? Some days, all my joints hurt; others, I am fine. I have a new little knee thing going that I hope is just a one day thing. I can't wear flat shoes either; have a special pair of sandals that I wear around the house because they have a good arch. They are discontinued, of course, so I have a used pair in waiting that I bought on ebay. Keep your chin up. You're normal.
ReplyDelete