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Question
08 Aug 2007
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Cardio workout with feet problems
Hi There
I know this must sound odd but I need to know if there is any type of cardio workout I can do without putting pressure on my feet.
I have had tremendous problems with Plantar fasciitis on my right foot and Tendonitis on my left foot (outerside), I use an aircast for this and sole inserts for the other. Although I've had this problem for some time and it got gradually worse, I've only just started treatment. (I had a steroid injection for Tendonitis yesterday)
My main problem is that I am very overweight, totally unfit, have very elevated levels of cortisol (this is a long term problem from a very severe depressive condition).
I have made the decision to regain my health, so I've changed my eating style, working on my mental state (I’ve had a depressive relapse) and I need to do exercise. Exercise is the most critical aspect in recovering. In the past I've managed to control all my problems by exercising, especially the cortisol problem.
Now I HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH MY FEET! (Just to make my challenge a bit more interesting!)
I would appreciate any input you may have with regards cardio workouts without using my feet.
Thank You!
Regards
Dawn
I know this must sound odd but I need to know if there is any type of cardio workout I can do without putting pressure on my feet.
I have had tremendous problems with Plantar fasciitis on my right foot and Tendonitis on my left foot (outerside), I use an aircast for this and sole inserts for the other. Although I've had this problem for some time and it got gradually worse, I've only just started treatment. (I had a steroid injection for Tendonitis yesterday)
My main problem is that I am very overweight, totally unfit, have very elevated levels of cortisol (this is a long term problem from a very severe depressive condition).
I have made the decision to regain my health, so I've changed my eating style, working on my mental state (I’ve had a depressive relapse) and I need to do exercise. Exercise is the most critical aspect in recovering. In the past I've managed to control all my problems by exercising, especially the cortisol problem.
Now I HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH MY FEET! (Just to make my challenge a bit more interesting!)
I would appreciate any input you may have with regards cardio workouts without using my feet.
Thank You!
Regards
Dawn
Dear Dawn,
In the initial stages of your exercise plan, I would suggest that you exercise in water. This does not have to be swimming but could simply be walking in a pool, aqua aerobics etc. Hopefully the buoyancy of the water will give you adequate impact control on your feet. The resistance of the water also makes for a good work out. If this is still too much pressure through the feet, try using floats to completley suspend you in the water and exercise in this way. For this form of exercise, you may be better to enlist the help of a professional trainer to take you through some exercises that you can do. Hopefully you will find that the Plantar fasciitis will also improve as you lose weight and make weight bearing exercise possible in the medium term.
Good luck with your new lifestyle. You will never regret the decision.
Best wishes,
Dr. Gary Riley
In the initial stages of your exercise plan, I would suggest that you exercise in water. This does not have to be swimming but could simply be walking in a pool, aqua aerobics etc. Hopefully the buoyancy of the water will give you adequate impact control on your feet. The resistance of the water also makes for a good work out. If this is still too much pressure through the feet, try using floats to completley suspend you in the water and exercise in this way. For this form of exercise, you may be better to enlist the help of a professional trainer to take you through some exercises that you can do. Hopefully you will find that the Plantar fasciitis will also improve as you lose weight and make weight bearing exercise possible in the medium term.
Good luck with your new lifestyle. You will never regret the decision.
Best wishes,
Dr. Gary Riley
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