Finally ready for a follow-up with my orthopedist, I knew my ankle and foot problems had not been solved with four weeks of physical therapy. While I am told my ligament is no longer loose and my ankle appears more stable, I received the unfortunate news that I can no longer wear flip-flops, open-heel shoes, or traipse around my apartment with bare feet.
Due to my ongoing plantar fasciitis and now Achilles tendinosis, these conditions will not heal if I continue in the above tasks. While these conditions were not the original cause of distress, they occurred due to the prolonged immobilization of my ankle.
The good news is I no longer have to pay for physical therapy since I've learned every exercise capable of improving my ankle. However, my doctor says I must be diligent on my own or will not see improvement.
So, to sum up my newest set of rules so I can one day run again, I have to wear an insole in every pair of shoes I wear all day, every day or exacerbate my current ankle/foot status, avoid flip-flops (which seems nearly impossible since I lived in them every summer at the beach and even some occasions in the snow), and avidly perform daily exercises.
Maybe, just maybe I will see some real results IF I follow the rules all day, every day, until the orthopedist says, "When."
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Add a Comment14 Comments
Well, if you hope to run again, you really do have to be diligent about strengthening those foot muscles, been there, done that.
If you have the opportunity, water aerobics/jogging is great for rehab without impact. Who knows, you may become so strong that you'll prove you're doctor wrong about the flip flops. Wouldn't that be great!
Take good care of that ankle.
May 14, 2009 - 7:07pmThis Comment
Alysiak-
Thanks for the tip. I just started water aerobics-like activities and I'm definitely going to keep up with this. As you said, it is a great way to strengthen the muscles without impact.
Thanks!
May 15, 2009 - 9:31amGood luck! Foot & ankle injuries are the worst.
May 14, 2009 - 10:08pmNony-
Thank you for the support. I'm going to need it to stay positive.
May 15, 2009 - 9:45amOh no! You have to avoid running and flip flops! I suppose it's best to follow the advice so you can improve your ankles in the long run. Swimming is a really good idea to continue to stay active. With summer here, it's the perfect excuse to get outside and cool off while exercising!
If you need any help finding cute alternative supportive fun summer shoes, let me know. It's important to still feel good about yourself!
May 15, 2009 - 10:51amFlip-flops in the snow - what a commitment!
May 15, 2009 - 3:17pmHaha. Thanks Anon.
Growing up on the beach everyone lives in flip-flops. So, there were a number of days I wasn't aware it was going to snow and ended up in flip-flops on a snowy day.
I don't really recommend it, but it happens.
May 15, 2009 - 4:02pmI live in California and am sooooo sick of flip flops....lol....don't worry...you'll be waaaay sexier without them! Can you wear heels?
May 17, 2009 - 6:13pmUnfortunately not yet. My Achilles tendon does not stretch as much as the normal persons, so much so that I was told I don't/can't physically stand properly. It's not obvious, but that's my doctor's job to notice.
Anyway, even though I can't wear heels yet, I am trying to work up too that and might try to find a cute wedge that has some height with no incline.
Let me know if you have any suggestions!
May 18, 2009 - 11:04amI sure will think on it! I am a shoeaholic! Steve Madden has some nice styles!
May 18, 2009 - 11:26amhttp://www.zappos.com/product/7388196/color/72
Is the incline on these too much?