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BACKGROUND:
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Some of you may recall that several years ago i had successive trauma to the sesamoids under the ball of the foot - tiny bones embedded in the tendon which control the flexing and pointing action of the foot. The bones sit just below the ball of the foot, and when inflamed any stress - standing up (let alone, holding weights, walking etc), or flexing the area worsens the inflammation.

I had magnetic therapy and ultrasound treatments which worked well. Healing is not immediate however and requires a year or two building up resistance to normal activity. At first, I had repeated "accidents" that set me back to square for a couple of years. Last year in May i had my last treatments and had had no more significant accidents since.

I have been able to stretch more, stand on tip-toes, crouch (could do none before without causing severe inflammation w/ swelling), walk more, and recently even walk in slightly heeled, thin-soled shoes extensively (even on bumpy transits!) without ANY pain whatsoever the following day.

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THE PLAN:
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So i decided i could try to start running again. Just a little at a time... since i would do little sprints anyway to catch buses and stuff, without consequence.

I need to start running again. Walking does not really cut it for me, and i need exercise. My feet had taken enough impact the past few months that they could have handled "easing" back into jogging, partly because i am so out of shape, it would only be short spurts between a lot of walking at first!

I also figured at first sign of any inflammation, i could immediately change to just walking. (Even if it doesn't help me as much, mentally.)

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WHAT HAPPENED:
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i was to go running last night. For the first time. I did my usual stretching which includes flexing the foot, and felt a slight twinge. I reduced the stretching and hoped for the best. However i decided not to run but only to walk so as not to "push it" until i could see if things got bad and how well/quickly they resolved. (Inflammation only shows up the following day.)

Before i left my mother had called for someone go help her carry two very heavy bags of groceries from the bus stop. i did that. Very heavy, another twinge. ACK.

i needed to go to a not-so-near pharmacy too, after which I meandered for a bit before proceeding to what would be my "official" walk, deciding on two rounds (instead of three planned), given the walking i had already done and the twinges.

Well thank goodness i didn't run (jog).

Last night i had mild pain AT REST, which was more acute on palpation of the inner sesamoid, and trigger area (tendon attachment). That is bad news. This morning it was worse... at rest.

I put a pomade with arnica (local anti-inflammatory) and incense on it which has helped in the past .

This REALLY SUCKS. I really feel stupid for over-stretching... but it surprised me considering what all i have been doing with NO pain at all.

Now i don't know where i stand. i just have to wait. There is mild swelling today and if any pain persists more than 2 days i will have to defer any regular walking regime, for safety. LET ALONE RUNNING.

And the whole point of doing this, was to get me up and going because i can't seem to DO ANYTHING!!!!!

AND NOW THIS!!!

~ waves ~