What a relief! Today I visited the podiatrist and finally found out what is wrong with my foot. It has been painful for the past two months with a very inflamed big toe joint. After childbirth, it would be a mere 4 out of 10 on a pain scale, but it was still a nagging annoyance. From the regular doctor I heard that it might be gout–like I am an old person who eats too much rich food. Bunions run in my family too so I was prepared to hear one of those two possibilities. Dr. Podiatrist took one look, manipulated my foot to see what hurt and then announced that I have a clear case of..hallux limitus. Huh? He translated this to mean that I have basically bony feet that I have been very active on and irregular foot mechanics; consequently, I will have to be fitted for orthotics(very expensive) and go back to wearing more lace-up shoes. He has to change the position of my big toe(drop it lower than the rest of my foot) so it will unlock that frozen joint. I felt an immediate trip down memory lane to my childhood–years of wearing orthopedic shoes that were the ugliest things on the planet. My parents could ill afford them, but never hesitated to take me out to Mr. Travoni’s shoe store. Oh, I loved the gorgeous fancy shoes that would have made me look like a princess, but I couldn’t have them because I HAD to wear those brown,lace -up old lady shoes. My option is doing none of this and having to have surgery or being in chronic pain. (or giving up running–NO WAY!) I now have a wrap on my foot for five days, off for two and another appointment to watch how I walk(pretty darned sexy), map my foot and fit me for the orthotics. I truly am relieved to know what is wrong and that it is fixable, although I will have to change my lifestyle a bit.
Comments
4 responses to “Back to the Future”
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Margaret-Yoga is wonderful for adjusting the way a person stands and walks. There is an emphasis on the proper distribution of weight and balance on one’s foot and also on the building of strong legs and good posture so the feet aren’t abused. Interested?
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I hope it feels better soon!
My school changed the dress code for teachers this year…no more jeans. My school has stairs out the wazoo, and as an inclusion teacher, I am walking constantly. After a week of trying to look fashionable, I gave up and started wearing my tennies with my trousers…now I’m a geek, but oh well. I’m an energetic geek. -
Oh I’m a big fan of yoga as well – pilates is also wonderful. So glad you won’t have to give up running (although I might like an excuse to give up running for a bit – just kidding) It is always nice to know the solution to a problem though isn’t it? Hope the orthotics work out. Are they covered under any sort of medical plan in the US? They are convered on mine and I sometimes think I should get some just to see if they help.
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I dont know you, but I just got dianosed with Hallus Limitus today and was looking up info on it when i ran across your entry! How are the inserts working?? I’m scared of surgery and think I might need it. I am also an avid runner, but the doctor told me to give it up, try cycling instead, since this problem is striking me at such a young age(21).
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