Aches & Pains

Sometimes I think I should have titled this journal Pains of a Middle-Aged Man. Lately, I've been dealing with leg and foot problems. For some reason the Achilles tendon on my left foot has been acting up. When I stand after sitting or after sleeping at night I can't put weight on my left foot because I get tremendous pain from my left heel. I have to work it or stretch it in the morning before I can put any weight on it. And when I get up from my desk, I move gingerly, and often with a limp for the first few steps.

I went to my chiropractor last week, and she suggested a stretch using a wedge under my feet while I sat. That, unfortunately, seemed to cause even more problems, especially in my upper legs. So I do shorter term stretches.

And I've been having trouble with my thighs. I don't exactly know how to describe the pain. It feels like an electric current running through my thighs when it's really bad. It feels like a mild tingle when it's not so bad. I mowed the lawn a couple of days ago, and by the time I had finished I was in excruciating pain, like a heavy electical current being applied all through both thighs. Only sitting down helped. I can't seem to find muscles that are responsible for it, but I'm guessing somewhere in my lower back some muscles are locking up tight.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, growing old is not for the faint of heart. It's damn hard work.