Having a bit of a challenge

bsmith719
bsmith719 Posts: 3 Member
edited November 2024 in Introduce Yourself
Hi! My name is Becky and I live in Fayetteville, south of Atlanta. As I was turning 60 I developed some foot issues and began a year and a half journey of walking issues, including drop foot. I have gone from walking at least 2.5 miles a day/ 4-5 days a week to cannot even walk .5 mile without fear of falling and muscle/nerve fatigue. Needless to say I have lost much muscle tone and look like I have gained 20 lbs but thankfully have only gained about 8! Have foot brace now and am determined to loose the weight, regain muscle tone and walk miles at a time again! Need encouragement!

Replies

  • rosebarnalice
    rosebarnalice Posts: 3,488 Member
    Arrgh! I SO empathize!
    Severe osteoarthritis pretty much immobilized one of my ankles at age 52, and it took nearly 2 years of PT, doctor visits, and eventually ankle replacement surgery and then MORE PT to get back to being able to walk around the grocery store. . .much less around the block. I also gained 40 lbs over that 2 years, and I am just now getting back to my "healthy weight".

    At its worst, I couldn't even swim. But shortly after the surgery I was able to start swimming again and also use some gym cardio equipment at the Y--specifically the elliptical, and stationary bike (particularly the recumbent one).

    It took more than a year post-surgery before I could walk a mile; and now (~19 months out), while I still prefer to swim, I've can walk 3.2 - 3.5miles three and four days a week when I can't get to the pool.

    My advice: (1) find SOMETHING you can do, and be sure to make time to do it; (2) see if you can find a good physical therapist who will help you deal with your specific issue; and (2) find the right shoes! I experimented with several brands of walking shoes and a whole array of off-the-shelf and custom arch supports, orthotic pads, etcetera, and eventually found that a particular style of Ecco walking shoes with Dr. Scholls gel inserts was a combination that gave me the comfort and support I needed.

    You may have a long road ahead of you, but you can do it!!
  • bsmith719
    bsmith719 Posts: 3 Member
    Thanks! You CAN empathize! The foot brace has given back my confidence and I just got a walking stick (psychologically easier to use than a cane!). I plan to walk every day and add time each day-rather than concentrate on distance. Shoes that work with brace is very frustrating but I have a pair of snow boots that work great! Going to AK in late February so I have to work hard! I have gone to PT for the last year but have not seen results I was hoping for. All this due to throwing my gait off due to favoring one side! Pinched nerve caused foot drop! My brain does not remember how to walk right - crazy situation for someone as active as I have always been!

    Hope for continued success for you- both physical activity and weight back to normal! Did you count calories or carbs?
  • snickerscharlie
    snickerscharlie Posts: 8,578 Member
    Hey, Becky, welcome!

    Water jogging is a terrific alternative to walking and burns wonderful amounts of calories, tones and strengthens yet causes no stress on your feet and knees. Keep it in mind to possibly add in to your walking routine, especially if you find that walking makes you sore again.
  • anasnewbody
    anasnewbody Posts: 4 Member
    You can do it!
  • bsmith719
    bsmith719 Posts: 3 Member
    Getting to a gym with a pool has been on my to do list! Along with yoga!

    Thanks!
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