I'm sitting here writing this with a walking boot on my foot... It's been there most of the day going on two weeks. As strange as it may sound, for me, recovering from heart surgery was easier than this, because the goal was to walk. With this, while there are no restrictions, walking – as in
I’m making accommodations to age in my exercise routines and I’m only 52. On the other hand we were hiking Colchuck lake last year which is a fairly challenging 9 miles and about 2500 feet of elevation. At the top we met a couple in their mid-70’s. He was coming off heart surgery a few months prior, and was doing the hike one more time for her. Sure it’s possible that she has a hell of a life insurance policy on him and a sexy pool guy, but I like to look at this of an example of what I could still do even if my body gets way more beat to hell.
Thanks for your kind words of hope and encouragement. May your health be a blessing to you. Slante Tom PS I am planning a trip to the Emerald Isle with my son. I will only go if I get a clean bill of health by trip start date Oct.19th.
Oh, this hits home as I am dealing with metatarsalgia in my left foot. Rest helps of course, here are a few things that have helped me at least start jogging again and now aiming to beat the bus in the Chicago Marathon.
-Hoka OneOne recovery shoes, I wish I can walk on them 24/7.
-CBD Full Spectrum 3000 mg Sports Roll On by Vlasic Labs....Yeah I know I was skeptical too, my wife got this from her coworker as a free sample and it helps calm down the nerves.
-Shoes must have a plate, you probably know this. And insoles as well.
-There are these thingies you can buy on amazon that you put on your toes and extends a bit...which kind of lift off your foot so no full pressure goes right on them nerves.
-Toe splitters overnight.
If the issue is on just one spot it could be Morton's Neuroma. A cortisone shot took care of that on my right foot.
The lack of activity has been the hardest. Will start regular activity next wk. Now, on the "plate"... you're talking a stability shoe, I'm guessing. The toe-splitters, only when I'm doing heavy walking. I have good insoles (got them as things were deteriorating.) Next step is to fiddle with the shoes, all geared to ambitious walking, but no running. Best of luck beating that bus!
After 10 years of “patient waiting” (the Mayo Clinics term) my dilated aorta has gotten slightly larger. My cardiologist has no explanation for why now. I have had 2 of 3 blood tests, 2 of 2 vascular ultrasounds with a consult with a Vascular surgeon on Oct.3rd. Last procedure will be a CT scan of the heart and a further consult with my cardiologist.
Hopefully I return to “patient waiting” for good long time and 6 month follow ups with my cardiologist.
Thanks for your words of encouragement and experience.
As my aorta started to expand, I wound up on the every 3-month scan plan. At 5.0 is when they go (surgery, that is, at a place like Mayo.) Mine was repaired at 4.9, but that's because my valve crossed the finish line first... it was like they were in a race! With the aorta, the good news is that you found it before it found you. Sounds like you have a great plan at a great place!
Stay well Herb. Your description of running brought back memories of running in Monterey; beautiful, and with its natural air conditioning you don't get overheated. Then I could run 7 miles before breakfast -ah, youth! Now, I stick to the treadmill, 30 minutes of hi-low blocks. It's maybe a couple of miles.
Boy does this hit a nerve, literally and figuratively. I was just completing my latest physical therapy on my 65 year old knees, which includes various balancing exercises. Well I was having trouble balancing on my right foot and after an MRI, the podiatrist listed 10 major problems and told me there was evidence of repeated injuries. I could remember only one where I was on crutches. So my former 5 mile walks have been reduced to 1 mile with an ankle brace and it’s mostly elliptical training at the gym. Sucks, c’est la vie. Just remember my new mantra: it’s not Ukraine; no one is firing missiles into your home.
Great post. Throughout the decade of my 50s I had so much trouble with that same metatarsal area. So many orthotics, etc. so many different brands of shoes etc.
Then strangest thing happened, a new foot doctor said wear flip-flops as often as you can, so that your toes are gripping, and rebuilding the strength in the metatarsals.
And he said go barefoot on grass or sand if possible. And now at age 65 I have no problems whatsoever with my metatarsals!
I don’t know if this would help you in any way, but if it helps anyone, I just thought I would comment. Best to you all as we age!
I approach seventy with cardiac arteries if a 40 year old (dilated aeorta is smoother story. My most attended to parts are my feet. I have been seeing a chiropodist(podiatrist) for more than 25 years. She has kept me moving and grooving’ so yes maybe the feet are only designed to last for 50 active years.
I’m making accommodations to age in my exercise routines and I’m only 52. On the other hand we were hiking Colchuck lake last year which is a fairly challenging 9 miles and about 2500 feet of elevation. At the top we met a couple in their mid-70’s. He was coming off heart surgery a few months prior, and was doing the hike one more time for her. Sure it’s possible that she has a hell of a life insurance policy on him and a sexy pool guy, but I like to look at this of an example of what I could still do even if my body gets way more beat to hell.
Thanks for your kind words of hope and encouragement. May your health be a blessing to you. Slante Tom PS I am planning a trip to the Emerald Isle with my son. I will only go if I get a clean bill of health by trip start date Oct.19th.
Oh, this hits home as I am dealing with metatarsalgia in my left foot. Rest helps of course, here are a few things that have helped me at least start jogging again and now aiming to beat the bus in the Chicago Marathon.
-Hoka OneOne recovery shoes, I wish I can walk on them 24/7.
-CBD Full Spectrum 3000 mg Sports Roll On by Vlasic Labs....Yeah I know I was skeptical too, my wife got this from her coworker as a free sample and it helps calm down the nerves.
-Shoes must have a plate, you probably know this. And insoles as well.
-There are these thingies you can buy on amazon that you put on your toes and extends a bit...which kind of lift off your foot so no full pressure goes right on them nerves.
-Toe splitters overnight.
If the issue is on just one spot it could be Morton's Neuroma. A cortisone shot took care of that on my right foot.
Good luck and never give up :-)
The lack of activity has been the hardest. Will start regular activity next wk. Now, on the "plate"... you're talking a stability shoe, I'm guessing. The toe-splitters, only when I'm doing heavy walking. I have good insoles (got them as things were deteriorating.) Next step is to fiddle with the shoes, all geared to ambitious walking, but no running. Best of luck beating that bus!
Keep your spirits up; and get well soon!
Are you saying that this is the poster-child case for shorting Nike??
Herb your foot, my hand. Commiserate in company- almost as good as running together
🤔
"Built in the 70's,
All Original Parts,
Some parts still Work!"
This is what I live by. - Cheers
After 10 years of “patient waiting” (the Mayo Clinics term) my dilated aorta has gotten slightly larger. My cardiologist has no explanation for why now. I have had 2 of 3 blood tests, 2 of 2 vascular ultrasounds with a consult with a Vascular surgeon on Oct.3rd. Last procedure will be a CT scan of the heart and a further consult with my cardiologist.
Hopefully I return to “patient waiting” for good long time and 6 month follow ups with my cardiologist.
Thanks for your words of encouragement and experience.
Slante Tom
As my aorta started to expand, I wound up on the every 3-month scan plan. At 5.0 is when they go (surgery, that is, at a place like Mayo.) Mine was repaired at 4.9, but that's because my valve crossed the finish line first... it was like they were in a race! With the aorta, the good news is that you found it before it found you. Sounds like you have a great plan at a great place!
Stay well Herb. Your description of running brought back memories of running in Monterey; beautiful, and with its natural air conditioning you don't get overheated. Then I could run 7 miles before breakfast -ah, youth! Now, I stick to the treadmill, 30 minutes of hi-low blocks. It's maybe a couple of miles.
Boy does this hit a nerve, literally and figuratively. I was just completing my latest physical therapy on my 65 year old knees, which includes various balancing exercises. Well I was having trouble balancing on my right foot and after an MRI, the podiatrist listed 10 major problems and told me there was evidence of repeated injuries. I could remember only one where I was on crutches. So my former 5 mile walks have been reduced to 1 mile with an ankle brace and it’s mostly elliptical training at the gym. Sucks, c’est la vie. Just remember my new mantra: it’s not Ukraine; no one is firing missiles into your home.
Great post. Throughout the decade of my 50s I had so much trouble with that same metatarsal area. So many orthotics, etc. so many different brands of shoes etc.
Then strangest thing happened, a new foot doctor said wear flip-flops as often as you can, so that your toes are gripping, and rebuilding the strength in the metatarsals.
And he said go barefoot on grass or sand if possible. And now at age 65 I have no problems whatsoever with my metatarsals!
I don’t know if this would help you in any way, but if it helps anyone, I just thought I would comment. Best to you all as we age!
Seeing the podiatrist today, so while she's shooting gel into one of my toes (don't ask!) I'll raise the issue with her!!!!
I approach seventy with cardiac arteries if a 40 year old (dilated aeorta is smoother story. My most attended to parts are my feet. I have been seeing a chiropodist(podiatrist) for more than 25 years. She has kept me moving and grooving’ so yes maybe the feet are only designed to last for 50 active years.
Good luck Herb. Slante, Tom
Don't overlook the aorta. Been there, done that... included in my under-the-hood repair. ICYMI - https://herbgreenberg.substack.com/p/the-handmade-tale
or check out Knees Over Toes Guy on IG.
Should've been watching his videos 30 years ago, though, of course, he didn't exist! ;-)
Herb, you might want to complement the walking by "rucking" with a weighted backpack. Adds a whole new dimension to walking. Check out goruck.com
Great picture of foot!