Hodge-Podge

I have been dealing with plantar fasciitis for about 3 years. It got so bad that I had knots up & down my calf muscle. I have had physical therapies & multiple cortisone shots that did nothing for me. I wore a night splint. I bought expensive orthodics. I wore the shoes that were supposed to help. I did stretches and used ice. I saw an orthopedic doctor that told me if the shots didn't work, surgery wouldn't work either, but the podiatrist I've been seeing told me that I would probably need the surgery.

Although plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot, it is directly related to tightness in the calf muscles. I could not figure out why things weren't getting better for me after all the stretches I have been doing for such a long period of time.

I finally asked my chiropractor about it, and he noticed that even my tennis shoes had a little bit of a heel. He said that my calf wasn't getting stretched out enough b/c of the shoes I was wearing (Danskos have been on my feet almost nonstop for the past several years). It made sense to me. Not only was I keeping my calf from getting a full range of motion, I was wearing these orthodics that kept my foot from stretching & moving, too.

The chiropractor recommended a "barefoot shoe," with no heel at all, and I cannot believe what a difference it has made.
These are Vibram Five Finger shoes. There are other barefoot shoes that do not have toes, but I just wanted to try them and absolutely love them. I felt much better in about 3 days, and I did nothing but change my shoes! Since then, I did a few massage therapy session (painful!) to work out knots in my muscles, and I've been doing some exercises to strengthen my feet. I still have a little discomfort but no pain, and am very thankful I didn't opt for surgery!

I have read a lot about barefoot running while researching the shoes and plantar fasciitis. Very interesting stuff.

Here's what else has been going on with us...
We mixed shaving cream & a drop of food coloring to make some great bathtub paint!

I got my hair cut short.
Our electricity was out for several hours the other night. These battery operated decorations came in handy. Adam & I played hide & seek with them. Quite fun! Maybe we'll play again sometime even when we do have electricity.
We spent Saturday with Wes's brother & family. Had a wonderful time. The highlight of the day for the little ones was this great park. Lots of fun for everyone.


Levi & his cousin, Tyler









And Halloween was a blast!!


It was absolutely hilarious watching Adam try to ring the bell in a costume that wouldn't let him reach!

We were very thankful to have Grandpa along for the ride this year!

October was Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Stay aware ;) More thoughts on that later this week.