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
Good luck! Foot & ankle injuries are the worst.
May 14, 2009 - 10:08pmThis Comment
Nony-
Thank you for the support. I'm going to need it to stay positive.
May 15, 2009 - 9:45amThis Comment
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 - 9:31amThis Comment