Exercise, good...Over-work, bad

TLee

I have been recently praising the benefits of the dog walk and, since we took on a second pooch, how good it has been to be doing it twice over. Well, I have been at that for about 3 weeks and I am TIRED. My back is aching, my bad hip now feels like it has spread all the way down my leg. I am feeling pretty depressed and mad that my body just won't do what I think it should. My husband took pity on me today and did quite a bit of the work, which helped my mood if not much else. I guess what I want to say at this point is, don't over-do things just because you think you can (or should). Ask for help and accept help that is offered. As much as I want to pretend that I'm fine, I am actually dealing every day with chronic pain and fatigue and, darn it, I need some tea and sympathy every once in a while!

jonr

I think the name of the game is mindfulness. We'll have good and bad days no matter what we do and I've learned to accept that no 2 days are the same and not to beat myself up but celebrate each good day and when I do go above and beyond (in my own mind) I reward myself. Could be a nice cuppa and cake out, whatever - it's a morale boost. Thanks for posting TLee!

Baloo

Absolutely brew a large mug of morning tea and leave the teabag in a long time and go nowhere.

I think my walking limit is 6,000 steps by which time my ankles hurt and limping starts to happen. Next day is fine, the workout seems to actually work wonders on aches and pains for the day after. No idea why it does that.

Walking all week is a different story. I gradually wear out at 3,000 steps a day until I am shuffling a lot. The good weather is here so I would definitely try a longer walk once I can, but I don't know how often I could do it I used to do a longer walk daily but by Friday I would be limping all the way, which struck me as being far too painful

jonr

Baloo, it could be the impact on your joints with the walking is what I'm thinking might be the cause of your pain whereas in the gym theres little or none at all and all the activity is helping to keep everything lubricated whilst building the muscles. I wear my running shoes for my walks which are shock absorbing and very supportive, I also wear running socks which compress as well. I can't run anymore but these do seem to help me at least.

Baloo

Yes. I must be going over the safe working load! 👣

kenbo

Hey. Appropriate footwear to ease the pressure on the joints is essential. Find what works for you as previously suggested. Support wear helps me ease some of aches . Both during and after a walk. Good luck with walking the doggies.👍

Baloo

I agree about the shoes but something else tells me the right time for a wellbeing update counts as well. Especially now bits of me keep stop working. I think my biggest stumble is I get through the week, tidy up and then . . . today i'm inclined to make wellbeing next on the agenda. It has to go somewhere.

Baloo

So today my floaty shoes arrived @TLee to absorb more impact . You know how it is mail order your never quite sure if they will fit, but these ones are quite comfortable. Thick wedge shape soles, work shoes. Looking forward to seeing how far they can walk without my ankles giving way. Thank you for the idea @kenbo. @jonr .

jonr

Good luck Baloo, you could also look at running socks too, available in shops like Trespass or Decathlon on the high street or online of course. These are cushioned, breathable and crucially more supportive of the ankles. Only issue is they're thicker so a bit of a pig to get on and off.

TLee

I'm glad you found some shoes that may make things easier. No more online shoe purchases for me, I think. Sent back my orthopedic "lead shoes" and got my Skechers. I have always been very happy with the fit of a 9 1/2 in this brand, so felt pretty safe ordering. Put them on & the first thing I noticed was how they rub painfully in a couple of places. Geesh. Told my husband I guess my feet are expanding with age, just like the rest of me!

Baloo

Walked to the dentist and back, reaching my theoretical step limit of 6,000 steps and beyond, in the cushioned shoes. I would say either I was very lucky this pair works for me, or they really work. The journey was comfortable, and where I might be limping and shuffling by the end of the walk, with pain round my ankles, I wasn't. There was none of that pain, only the usual soreness.

Baloo

@TLee sorry to hear about your lead shoes. Cold comfort that mine fit like a glove. I'm on my 4th pair of new shoes since arthritis and my feet and legs swelled, so I had to start looking. I wear knee length compression sox after being subscribed to them, which brought the swelling down, and have been a good support for my legs in themselves up till now. I'm an incurable optimist so I keep trying. Air wedge slippers on order, but won't arrive until mid May.