Wednesday, February 19, 2014

...argh!...

As my platinum highlights begin to highlight my age, I have become more diligent about making sure that this fragile shell of mine lasts a little while longer. So today, with a persistent foot pain, I limped my way into a podiatrist's office for the first time.

Weeks ago, while jogging up a steep treadmill incline, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my foot. I slowed down and lowered the incline to a more reasonable height but the damage had been done. I rested and proceeded more slowly in the following weeks, only to find that the pain wouldn't go away. So I searched podiatrists online and found one in our area with great reviews.

I must say, it was odd to have strange men feeling up my feet, but they were both so nice. After all the initial tests and x-rays, the doctor asked me questions while moving my right foot back and forth, up and down. Within moments, due to the way that I nearly jumped off the table in pain, he diagnosed the problem.

Apparently, I have achilles tendonitis in my right ankle, which has caused the pain and swelling. When I did some research on it tonight, the mayo clinic's description had me laughing: "Achilles tendinitis most commonly occurs in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs. It's also common in middle-aged people who play sports, such as tennis or basketball, only on the weekends." I'm the former, folks. I'm the former. 

I was told that if I RICE it (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) it should heal in the next few weeks. In the meantime, I have been relegated to the elliptical. Also, I was told to get a cheap rolling pin and use it like a foam roller to work out any muscle kinks in my lower legs because my calves are “just massive.” (He's a body builder – he sincerely believed he was paying me a compliment.)

I still have big running plans this year, though. I'll keep you posted!   

4 comments:

  1. Take care of that foot , it CAN get worse.

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    1. Thank you! Your words have not fallen on deaf ears (tho my doctor's words yesterday might have - dancing around the living room this afternoon was not a great idea!) I'm icing it even as I type.

      Thanks also for taking the time to read my post. I hope you have a wonderful week!

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  2. I do know who Eva Cassidy is and I listened to her rendition of Autumn Leaves. Sometimes simple is the best.
    I understand every word you wrote about your students. I'm right there with you. I've worked in daycare for almost thirty years and there are moments that get on your last nerve but the payoff long term is absolutely worth it. When I run into a former child who was in my class years before and they come up and give me a hug I know that I did something right all those years ago and that they still have a positive feeling about the time they spent in my class.
    Follow the doctors orders about your foot. Some years ago I had some problems with my feet and since then I've developed a healthy respect for taking care of your feet. Those feet of yours have to carry you along way for many years to come.

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    1. I just adore Eva Cassidy - have you heard Fields of Gold? It's like she takes simple to a whole new level. She is one of my favs.

      I just love that you worked in daycare! It's not easy, but I guarantee that you have left an indelible mark on their little hearts. I bet it's also nice to see them and all that they've become.

      I'm icing my foot now. I'm not sure what I was thinking dancing around the living room today but my ankle is just killing me now. As I get older, I'm realizing how important it is to take care of oneself. Hopefully, my feet will be able to carry me a long way.

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