A LITTLE TOO ENTHUSIASTIC TO WORKOUT
I was all stoked to start working out like a mad woman, when the scale made me cry. I even got my playlists ready, and was rocking a bodacious workout in the pool. What I didn’t account for was that I was doing too much too soon!
My not so little friend, Mr. Boot!
Meet my friend the boot. It weighs about a billion pounds and really doesn’t go with my favorite summer outfit, let alone the “gorgeous” tan line I am going to have by the end of the summer. Mr. Boot keeps me foot still and will be a part of my wardrobe thanks to my other friend Achilles Tendonitis.
WHAT WAS I THINKING?
Remember when I was telling you how I was rocking that elliptical? Well, I didn’t fess up that I wasn’t stretching before or after my workouts. (I am a busy mom, I had other thing to do)
About six weeks ago, I went to bed after a great workout not feeling a thing. The next morning was a completely different story. My foot was tight, it was swollen in the back and it hurt to push off with it.
Being the tough chick I am, I figured it would work itself out. To get it to settle down I iced it, skipped the gym, took some anti-inflammatories, but alas nothing seemed to make Mr. Tendonitis to go away!
ENTER MR. BOOT
Yesterday, I sucked it up and went to the orthapedist thinking he was going to tell me to do more of the same. Nope! He told me I had two choices: a cast with my foot pointed to the ground for 6 weeks or try a boot for 4 weeks first. Um, I think I will take the boot for $600 Alex.
So, here I sit writing this blog post with my foot in something that looks like it came straight out of Demolition Man, thinking how dumb I was not to stretch!
Now, I hope that I can pass on a few tips to you so you can avoid a visit from Mr. Tendonitis. He really cramps your workout style, and can really slow you down.
Crunchy’s Top 5 Ways to Avoid Mr. Tendonitis (and other workout injuries)
- Always Warm up for 5 Minutes
- After you warm up, take 5 minutes to stretch (especially your achilles)
Check out these great calf stretches from Spark People
- Stretch after each and every workout!
- Wear shoes that allow your heel to be slightly higher, and reduces the rubbing on the tendon. (Buy heel lifts to put in your shoes if necessary)
Bottom line, if you are new to working out again take it SLOOOOWWWW and stretch, stretch, stretch!!! That 15 minutes of stretching is worth keeping Mr. Boot away!
Have you ever had an injury due to working out? What did you do “wrong” and what wisdom would you share to help others?
shelly says
Ugh. I hate that boot. I’m sorry you have to wear it for 4 weeks. I tore a ligament in my foot and had to wear it for about 6 weeks while I was getting physical therapy. Annoying!
Crunchy Frugalista says
Thanks Shelly, yeah it stinks, but at least it’s not a cast. That was my other choice. Hopefully the boot will do the trick!
Sofia says
Stretching is always important and it doesn’t take too long…like you, I tend to forget to stretch! Yikes…
Hope you and mr. boot part ways soon!
Crunchy Frugalista says
Me too Sofia!
Amber Edwards says
Oh goodness, I lived in one of those boots for 6 weeks before when I broke my leg! it is definitely NOT fun! I’m so sorry!
I often get shin splints. There are exercises that help prevent or treat them, but surprisingly they aren’t well known or promoted, not sure why. But i get the shin splints so badly that the pain racks my legs day and night even when I’m just sitting there. I have to be very careful with working out and avoid high impact workouts and include those special stretches.
I hope you don’t go stir crazy while in the boot! Best wishes on your recovery!
Crunchy Frugalista says
Can’t guarantee the stir crazy part lol. Ouch to shin splints those hurt. I hope you have found a way to manage them!
Jeannette says
Bless your heart! I had a boot for four months starting when my son was 6 weeks old so I feel your pain! Stretching is so very important and the time it takes is more than worth not having to wear that thing! Hope you heal quickly!
Crunchy Frugalista says
Wow, you put things in perspective. I couldn’t imagine having an infant with this thing on! Kudos to you for surviving!
Angela says
This is such an important reminder for us all! I hope you heal very quickly!
Crunchy Frugalista says
Thanks so much Angela, hopefully others can learn from my mistakes lol
Maria @ close to home says
I am new to going to the orthopedic every 6 months, growing old is hard.
Cherie Lawrence says
I hope it heals quickly! When I was working out (now 30 weeks pregnant and taking it super easy…) I never took the time to stretch. Seeing your boot does put the importance of stretching into perspective. I hope I remember when I begin a routine. =)
Crunchy Frugalista says
Yes stretching is VERY important!!! I am usually a stretching nut, but this time I had been so busy I neglected it and guess my body is teaching me a lesson.Congrats on the pregnancy!
Michelle Mahoney says
I hope you heal up soon. Being in Das Boot (that’s what I call mine) is no fun.
I was in a wheelchair for a couple of years due to foot injuries I got in the Army, so I know how much it sucks. Be sure to keep taking care of yourself. From someone who has rebroken her foot 5 times.
Crunchy Frugalista says
Ouch, 5 times!?! Yes, I am taking it easy despite what my mind wants me to do. I spend most of the day with foot up blogging from my kids netbook. I want it to be all healed up by the time four weeks is over.
Peggy says
I’m so sorry that you are having an episode with Mr. Boot… (Perhaps we should brainstorm on some things that might allow you to capitalize on that.. You might accidentally discover some by the time your 4 weeks ends, but you could get more mileage if you start today..) 🙂
I’ve been really lucky so far (knock on wood); No experience with Mr. Boot; no broken bones. This would definitely not be the time of the year for me to need a boot or cast: I’m a Harley Rider, and this is riding season for those of us who live in the Puget Sound… 4 weeks with Mr. Boot; and I’d have missed the best stuff…
Peggy
Crunchy Frugalista says
Yeah, I am definitely getting a lot of work done while I am in a relationship with Mr. Boot. I am just glad I am able to pass my lesson onto others so they may avoid his visit to their home.
Kama says
Ouch … Ohhh good reminder to stretch before and after a workout! Actually also a good reminder to workout!
Crunchy Frugalista says
Lol, yeah stretching is VERY important. SO is keeping active. Now I have to figure out how to workout minus a foot lol.
Jodi @ A Mom Having Fun says
Ashley! You better not injure yourself again my friend! Stretch first, and please be careful. 🙂