Feet First
I’ve just had a lovely visit from a friend, who was explaining that she recently visited a podiatrist. Ok, chiropodist. We were animatedly discussing how our feet, and the way we walk, affects our whole body, our calves, our back, our necks…which set me thinking about my routinely dreadful posture, my shambling and all the compromises I muddle through. These days, I walk so seldom that I can feel my whole body stiffening up, in places I didn’t know could be stiff. So, just to keep me a bit flexible, I think I shall be going swimming more often. So far, this year, my resolution to swim every day – or, at least five times a week, timetables permitting – seems to be holding. Monday, Tuesday and today, three in a row.
Apparently, I have one leg which is an inch or so shorter than the other. That might make anyone lope a bit, I suppose. I use an elbow crutch outside to help with balance. I also wear a certain brand of shoes which make me wobble. But these shoes, which are expensive, top-of-the-range types, are so comfortable for my back, my hips and my knees (except when I wobble too far and fall, in which case, everything hurts) that I persist with them. My legs, feet and knees have endured years of unusual wear and tear, so these soft, sturdy shoes are valuable shock absorbers.
I was wondering what would happen if I telephoned the chiropodist and asked to make an appointment. Would she say there was nothing she could do to help me, that my problems were too complex? I suspect so, though I have rarely had the luxury of an independent or sympathetic assessment of my compromises. There is the chance that another, careful professional look-see would yield a handful of helpful answers, even if the outcome was a fresh list of problems that I might need to watch out for. I don’t mind being made aware, so long as I can keep my body active. On the other hand, I have sort of worked out what works and what causes real problems. I am also reluctant to tell the whole story, again, to yet another professional. Should I just phone up and see how far I get, or would a dignified silence be best? Only time will tell.
Please share:
January 15, 2014 @ 2:14 pm
Hi Fran. I’m with you on the shoes, if they are the ones that the that Masai are supposed to have been the inspiration for. Brilliant for the back and if you ever develop Plantar Fasciitis then they are a “must have” because they are about the only shoes you can walk in without severe pain. I thought about writing to the manufacturers to tell them, but I don’t think they would see their shoes as being great for people with PF as a selling point somehow. xxjill
January 15, 2014 @ 2:18 pm
Dear Jill
Many thanks for your comment. These are indeed the MBT’s. I almost had a heart attack when they went into administration a couple of years ago, but thankfully, I think they have been rescued. Strange, that a type of shoes which make me wobble should be so comfortable. But now, I can’t wear anything else. XX :-))
January 15, 2014 @ 2:33 pm
Hi Fran,
I’m a physical therapist and do have some experience in working with folks who have CP. Should you decide to call the chiropodist, I’d suggest that you ask her if she has any experience in working with CP. As you mention in your post here, you’ve figured out ways of moving that work for you – adaptations that allow you to walk more safely and comfortably and it’s important that those be taken into consideration if any intervention is offered. When I work with CP clients, I try to use their adaptations – even including muscle tightness and shortness – because some of those tight muscles are used for support!
Cathy
January 15, 2014 @ 2:37 pm
Dear Cathy,
Thanks so much for your advice, and understanding. :-)))