thank you for mentioning core training. I wish I could, this degenerative joint and disk disease effected my ankles. I actually need two new ankles and toe joint. Can't walk well at all, and am waiting to be scheduled in for this toe joint surgery. My questions to all these doctors however, is when do I get so say no more? My pain doc. doesn't want to treat for more pain, he wants me to do all these surgeries. The trouble is, that other joints, knees and hips, fingers etc are being effected by this trouble and osteoarthritis in them. I want to stop with all the surgery as there does not appear to be an end to whay my body is doing to my joints. When does the patient get to take a break from surgeries? ginnie