Hi all: Lots of talk about walking and lots of new members since I last checked in with you all! Happy to see it, for sure....
Walsh: concerning using a cane or walking sticks or crutches.....It took me a long time emotionally to use an aid. Just didn't want to be seen with it. About three years ago, my compensation gait resulted in a really nasty case of sciatica and, separately, a shin split on my stronger leg. Was rough rehabbing, very painful, and resulted in my having to use a cane. In essence I was using my strong leg as the crutch/cane...and this is what caused my issues. After I healed I was aware of just how much more confidence, and endurance I had when I used the cane in comparison with before I did so. Now I use two trekking poles to walk longer distances or inclines in comfort, or else I use a cane for much of my outdoor walking. I do not use the cane at home, or in my office, but usually need something if walking slowly with others nearby. I say all this just to play devil's advocate here. I really want to get off the cane/aids, but for now I walk longer, in better form, and confidently with the aids. And this has helped me get out there more often without injuring my good leg.
My walking routine continues, with peaks and valleys. Haven't been able to get anywhere near the collapse point walk I did in the fall when I started this program. And I think I see what some of my problem is.... in the winter, I really cut back on my cycling/spinning...shouldn't, but honestly, it is what I do. Never had an issue in doing so, but since I am now also working on walking better, I think I need to keep it going year round to get better results with my strides. Larry or Teena Marie, you could explain why this is to me! Also have learned that my stretching between segments needs to also focus on my back/core, as often when I am getting motor fatigue, it is the core muscles that help raise my leg that do not engage ( Oh, those core exercises!!) For my most recent walking routine, I put this into practice on the recovery periods that Herb has me add, and I really felt the difference. Still haven't taken this routine into the great outdoors yet.....very interested to see how I am on a track....
" Beyond mountains there are mountains"..... I like that Larry...... says it all....
Walsh: concerning using a cane or walking sticks or crutches.....It took me a long time emotionally to use an aid. Just didn't want to be seen with it. About three years ago, my compensation gait resulted in a really nasty case of sciatica and, separately, a shin split on my stronger leg. Was rough rehabbing, very painful, and resulted in my having to use a cane. In essence I was using my strong leg as the crutch/cane...and this is what caused my issues. After I healed I was aware of just how much more confidence, and endurance I had when I used the cane in comparison with before I did so. Now I use two trekking poles to walk longer distances or inclines in comfort, or else I use a cane for much of my outdoor walking. I do not use the cane at home, or in my office, but usually need something if walking slowly with others nearby. I say all this just to play devil's advocate here. I really want to get off the cane/aids, but for now I walk longer, in better form, and confidently with the aids. And this has helped me get out there more often without injuring my good leg.
My walking routine continues, with peaks and valleys. Haven't been able to get anywhere near the collapse point walk I did in the fall when I started this program. And I think I see what some of my problem is.... in the winter, I really cut back on my cycling/spinning...shouldn't, but honestly, it is what I do. Never had an issue in doing so, but since I am now also working on walking better, I think I need to keep it going year round to get better results with my strides. Larry or Teena Marie, you could explain why this is to me! Also have learned that my stretching between segments needs to also focus on my back/core, as often when I am getting motor fatigue, it is the core muscles that help raise my leg that do not engage ( Oh, those core exercises!!) For my most recent walking routine, I put this into practice on the recovery periods that Herb has me add, and I really felt the difference. Still haven't taken this routine into the great outdoors yet.....very interested to see how I am on a track....
" Beyond mountains there are mountains"..... I like that Larry...... says it all....
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