Go figure. After all the tests I have gone through in December, it’s the podiatrist that found a problem. He’s pretty sure, but there will be more tests.
The growing problem is one I have lived with all my life. I have never given it a second thought. I knew that I limped like my father. I walk like my father. I always guessed it was hereditary. It’s not like there haven’t been problems before. There have, but everyone has problems and mine seemed insignificant.
The first I recall having foot problems was when there was frostbite on my left foot. This may be hard to believe, but I got that as a student in Regina, Saskatchewan (the tropics no doubt) on a very cold day. My car was scheduled for repairs so I took it to a place on Albert St. with the intent of catching a bus back to the college. It was so cold I decided to walk along the bus route toward the school hoping to stay a little warmer. No bus ever came and I got back the college with my feet freezing. At least now I know when cold weather is coming. We’ve had a couple of nice days, but we are headed back to colder weather. My weather foot has predicted so.
As I got older more and more people commented about my limp. It never bothered me so I ignored it. In ’94 I had terrible pain in my left leg and was sent to a neurologist. He told me my right leg was shorter because the binding at the lower part of my spinal cord is tipped. He predicted that whatever the problem was with my leg it would pass. I told my chiropractor who would then lengthen my right leg every couple months or so. Everything was good again. But I ran out of money to see Dr. Dawson.
Facing back pains while here, I found another chiropractor and while he helps is some ways, he wasn’t able to help with my leg.
Surprise, surprise – I’m getting older and my doctored referred me to a podiatrist. My right hip gives in when walking any distance. My left foot hurts in less that a block as it feels like I am walking on its side. I’m falling apart. Except that all the other specialists say nothing is wrong. What do they know.
Well my right hip twists forward when I walk and my left foot is rolling under more and more and if something doesn’t change I’ll be doing even more sitting that I already do. When people sit with feet outstretched, they form a “V”. My feet are right leaning parallel bars. The inside foot muscle is tightening up and the outside muscle is getting looser. See I am falling apart.
They plan to fit me with a brace to try and correct these muscles to the right position. I’m laughing. Now that I am old and limping more they want to fix something I have lived with my entire life. I have my doubts, but am willing to go along if Social Security will cover it. Maybe I will enjoy walking again.
Don’t feel sorry for me. I have a full life am in a great place and enjoy all that I have. My issues are minor in the big scheme of things. I have nothing to complain about. However that may come later.
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