#heel spur surgery

[shreyajainblogs]

A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside of the heel bone, often causing pain and discomfort, especially when walking or standing for long periods. As a podiatrist in Dubai, Dr. K. P. Meda specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions like heel spurs. With his expertise, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying cause of the heel spur and develop a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Meda may recommend conservative measures such as orthotic inserts, physical therapy, and stretches to alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, he may suggest more advanced interventions like extracorporeal shockwave therapy or surgery. By addressing the root cause of the heel spur and utilizing Dr. Meda's expertise, patients can effectively manage their condition and find relief from pain, allowing them to resume their daily activities comfortably.

[ankleandfootcentersofamerica]

Surgery for Plantar Fasciitis: Long-Term Comfort for Your Feet

Visit Ankle & Foot Centers to learn about successful Plantar Fasciitis surgery. Plantar fasciitis and heel spur symptoms are treated with our specialist method. We provide a way to long-lasting comfort with cutting-edge methods, such as Heel Spur Removal, and assist you in taking confident steps toward a pain-free life.

[sorefeetusa]

Heel Pain No More: Expert Podiatrists Provide Comprehensive Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Plantar fasciitis, the notorious troublemaker of the foot world, is no stranger to causing heel pain and discomfort. This common condition has a knack for disrupting your daily activities and throwing a wrench in your quality of life, bringing frustrating interference to your day-to-day routines.

Fortunately, in Plainfield, some expert podiatrists specialize in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. In this blog, we will explore the comprehensive treatment options provided by these skilled Plainfield Podiatrist professionals, offering you hope for lasting relief from heel pain.

Symptoms & Risk Factors Of Plantar Fasciitis: A Comprehensive Understanding

Plantar Fasciitis, a prevalent foot ailment, manifests as inflammation of the plantar fascia—a thick tissue band stretching from the heel to the toes on the underside of the foot. Repetitive strain and excessive foot usage contribute to this condition, resulting in micro-tears and subsequent irritation.

The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is sharp heel pain, especially upon the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. Understanding Plantar Fasciitis involves recognizing its causes, symptoms, and risk factors, which can help individuals seek timely treatment and adopt preventive measures to manage and alleviate the condition.

10 Telltale Signs: Is Plantar Fasciitis Affecting Your Feet?

•Arch pain or discomfort.

•Difficulty bearing weight on foot.

•Heel pain in the morning.

•Pain after prolonged periods of rest.

•Pain radiating to the calf.

•Pain worsens with activity.

•Sharp pain with each step.

•Stiffness in the foot.

•Swelling in the heel area.

•Tenderness when touching the heel.

Comprehensive Treatment Approaches For Plantar Fasciitis

Plainfield Podiatrist takes a comprehensive approach to treating plantar fasciitis, focusing on alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. Here are some of the key treatment methods they employ:

1.Custom Orthotics: Podiatrists may recommend custom orthotic devices, such as shoe inserts or arch supports, to provide proper support and alignment to the foot. These orthotics help reduce strain on the plantar fascia and alleviate pain.

2.Physical Therapy: A structured physical therapy program can be highly effective in treating Plantar Fasciitis. Podiatrists work closely with physical therapists to design a tailored exercise regimen that includes stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility, reduce pain, and enhance overall foot function.

3.Non-Surgical Interventions: Various non-surgical interventions are utilized to relieve symptoms. These include:

Medications: To alleviate pain and inflammation, healthcare professionals might recommend the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or administer corticosteroid injections.

Night Splints: Wearing a night splint keeps the foot in a neutral position during sleep, preventing the plantar fascia from tightening overnight and reducing morning pain.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): This non-invasive treatment involves using shock waves to stimulate healing in the affected area, reducing pain and promoting tissue regeneration.

4.Lifestyle Modifications: Plainfield Podiatrist emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications to support the healing process. This includes avoiding activities that aggravate the condition, wearing supportive footwear, and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce strain on the feet.

5.Surgical Intervention (if necessary): In severe cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, podiatrists may consider surgical options. Surgical procedures for plantar fasciitis aim to release tension on the plantar fascia or remove damaged tissue, providing long-term pain relief.

Conclusion

Living with Plantar Fasciitis can be debilitating, but with the help of expert podiatrists in Plainfield, relief is within reach. Through a comprehensive treatment approach that includes custom orthotics, physical therapy, non-surgical interventions, and, if necessary, surgical intervention, these professionals are dedicated to helping you overcome heel pain and regain your quality of life. 

For more details visit our website sorefeetusa.com

[fingertipsmp3]

Also I have physio later. When will I be freeeee

[rfxiii]

suggestion/request: trevor with a level one autistic reader? gender neutral or maybe transmasc? 🥺👉👈

(I hope it’s alright I decided to go with a transmasc reader {if anything I wrote is inaccurate or doesn’t fit your personal experiences, I’d be more than happy to re-write the request to make it more personalized for you!} And I hope I got everything mostly right and that it makes sense! Tysm for the request)

TW: (vague mention of receiving comfort for dysphoria)

Word Count: 570

Trevor Philips w/ an autistic, transmasc reader

He enjoys it if you have any routines or schedules you have to keep. And he pretty well memorized them after being together for just a short amount of time. He has terrible abandonment issues, so knowing you’ll be basically doing the same thing everyday, and what you’re doing, puts him at ease. It helps him know you’re being safe and where he can always find you if he needs you.

If loud sounds overstimulate you, you’ll probably need to let him know before his constant shouting and noise making spur on an episode. He wouldn’t ever do anything to intentionally trigger you, but he does need express instructions on some things.

Don’t ever feel embarrassed to stim in public. Trevor hardly ever stops moving- bouncing on his heels, moving his hands, picking at his skin. So, the last person you’ll ever have to worry about stimming in front of is him. He probably won’t even notice you’re doing it.

Really, until you told him, Trevor may not even pick up on the fact that you’re autistic. He knows tons of different people, all with their own quirks and preferences, and he never really thinks on things like that too much to judge or question it. And once you tell him, it doesn’t really change anything except for him adapting some of his behaviors to help you out.

He’s super protective of you, like, viciously protective. Especially if you have any problems picking up social cues, he’s determined to make sure no one says anything rude to you, for any reason, that you don’t catch.

If you happen to be super blunt/up front he honestly appreciates it, even if it comes off as harsh or rude. He’s used to Michael’s dishonesty, and trusting people is something a bit difficult for him. But he can always rely on you to tell him like it is. Even if he doesn’t want to hear it, your honesty is what he knows he needs.

If you want to infodump about a special interest, he’s all ears. He’s super engaged- asking questions, genuinely wanting to know more. He talks a lot, and he likes to hear you talk a lot too.

He loves when you borrow his clothes. And if he owns anything with a texture that you dislike, he throws it out. If you don’t like the texture, you’re less likely to wear it, after all.

He’s very handsy. If you’ve had top surgery, he loves to touch your scars, provided that you’re alright with that. It’s not even anything sexual (most of the time). He occasionally just finds himself laying with his head on your chest and his fingers tracing against the marks on your chest. He personally enjoys them a lot.

When you go out together, he occasionally likes you to match suits with him or match your outfit with one of his dresses. He’s fairly possessive of you, and matching each other lets everyone know you two are together.

He’s not the best at comfort, at all. If you have any dysphoria, he won’t have the words to comfort you. But he’s more than willing to hold you for as long as you like.

Super respectful of whatever pronouns you use, and he expects everyone you meet to do the same..or else. Seriously, he would kill someone without hesitation for disrespecting you.

[skellebonez]

I'm cursed. Legitimately I think I'm actually cursed. Not a single day in November has gone by without something fucking up.

I managed to grow bone spurs in my heel. I will be using a cane on and off for potentially the rest of my life unless I can get surgery to fix these. My car is completely screwed. I just burnt the entire side of my hand and my thumb hurts so bad that I am doing this entire Post in speech to text on my phone, and I only burnt it because the kettle I was using literally fell apart as I was pouring water to make tea. I somehow managed to also break a pair of my glasses last week.

I don't know what celestial being I pissed off to make all this happen to me, but I am so fucking sorry. Can I have a goddamn break!?

[caesarsaladinn]

why is surgery a last-resort treatment for a heel spur? it's directly under the skin, and I would like to think orthopedic surgeons are dexterous enough to avoid the achilles tendon. can't they just snip it off, or rasp it down with a file?

[sweetwordsofsadness]

Whelp I forgot this was even here.

Out of all the things that I have forgotten I forgot that I had this Tumblr XD Brain Fog is a bitch it seems. I guess I could use this as a venting space, what with my shinny Chronic Illness and all. Its still a ongoing brain battle with myself with what I think I can do, and what I should do. 

It’s a slow process in getting used to what will mess me up, and what I know will mess me up. Just because I can ignore it doesn’t mean I should. That being said its nice to know that I wasn’t just being a big baby about my chronic pain and that there is actually something wrong. 

It’s been a year and a half now and I have to make peace with the mighty Fibromyalgia monster lurking inside my body. I need to stop thinking “Maybe my doctor is wrong and I’m okay,” or “There’s not actually anything wrong with me” because I know there is. Ones body is not actually supposed to be full of pain that has no rhyme or reason after all, and there is only so long someone can ignore the hammering pain that comes out of no where.

Hell I just had a month off of work because they were remolding, all the rest in the world and I’m still bone dead tired, and I wake up with random parts of me burring or twinging. It’s cool that I can still time travel by closing my eyes and falling asleep just about anywhere but my bed. It’s great to randomly feel like I’m going to crash and burn until it comes time for me to actually sleep. I also find it funny that my ankles are still made of garbo, yay for saving up for ankle surgery to get the Right ankle fixed almost as well as the left is now. 

To every doctor out there that always told me to either loose weight or to rest and it will get better please kindly go screw you self. To the doctors that told me there was nothing wrong with  me or my ankles, you need to listen to your patients and not just assume you know what is going on. I lived with a heel spur growing through my Achilles Tendon , for over eight years before someone listened to me. Do you know what its like to feel like someone is taking a knife to the back of your ankle with every step and that sitting down was the worst part of your day? It’s not fun I can tell you that, and if it would have been looked at sooner, and fixed before it got so bad I wouldn’t have two partial Achilles tears in my medical records and a tendon that is now prone to tearing. But no, because I was over weight, there was nothing wrong with them and I just had pain because I was heavy. 

[meitantei-lavi]

i got surgery on my foot today to get a bone spur and some extra bone gunk removed from my heel so my bones aren’t stabbing me everytime I walk and like. apparently the surgeon and anesthesiologist had a hell of a time waking me up lol. But in my mind i got a very good nap out of it 😂✌🏻🏳️‍🌈

[penig]

Went to the doctor for MRI results today. The tendon has separated from the bone. My foot has more flexion than expected, though, and given the state of the whole of me, the doctor thinks that a non-surgical treatment might do the trick. Or, y’know, it might not. If I get back to him before noon tomorrow he can schedule surgery early next week. I thought I’d throw this out into the wild to see if anyone pops up who’s got experience or knowledge that should influence me before making the final decision.

As I understand it, my options break down like this:

Non-surgery: Immobilize the foot with a cast; no weight on it for 6 weeks, followed by 4-6 weeks with a walking boot, followed by physical therapy and a re-evaluation after six months, with the option for surgery then if results are not satisfactory. The leg will always be weaker than before (face it, that’s true whatever happens).

Surgery: Outpatient procedure detaching the tendon that controls the big toe on that foot and moving it to control the ankle instead. Get rid of the Haglund’s deformity that the heel spur built up on to cause this mess. Same recovery as for immobilization. Loss of movement in big toe. If it doesn’t work, major life changes which we won’t think about yet.

So far, those consulted (self, husband, Mom) are plumping for the surgery. We want this over! Also, prospect of future heel spurs greatly reduced! But there may be considerations that someone with more experience could bring to our attention.

[namokarhospital]

Podiatric surgeon in Indirapurm

Expert Foot Care in Indirapuram

When it comes to foot and ankle health, consulting a podiatric surgeon in Indirapuram is essential for achieving the best outcomes. These highly trained medical professionals specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing a wide array of foot, ankle, and lower limb conditions. From chronic pain to deformities and injuries, podiatric surgeons in Indirapuram provide expert care to ensure optimal foot health and overall mobility.

Foot and Ankle Treatments in Indirapuram

Foot and ankle problems can range from mild discomfort to complex structural issues. A podiatric surgeon in Indirapuram offers a comprehensive suite of treatments tailored to each patient’s needs. These include:

Non-invasive treatments: Custom orthotics, physical therapy, and medications.

Surgical interventions: Procedures for bunions, flat feet, Achilles tendon injuries, heel spurs, and diabetic foot complications.

Whether you’re dealing with a sprain, chronic pain, or an acute injury, these specialists focus on providing individualized care to restore functionality and enhance quality of life.

Foot Surgery for Chronic Conditions

For patients experiencing chronic or severe foot issues, surgery may be necessary to restore function and alleviate pain. Podiatric surgeons in Indirapuram are adept at performing various foot and ankle surgeries, such as joint replacement, reconstructive surgeries, and minimally invasive procedures. These surgeries are designed to treat chronic conditions like arthritis, deformities (such as hammertoes and bunions), and severe injuries that don't respond to conservative treatments. With modern techniques and a patient-centric approach, podiatric surgeons ensure a faster recovery time and better post-surgery outcomes.

Customized Foot Care Solutions

One of the key aspects of podiatric care in Indirapuram is the personalized treatment plans offered to each patient. Every foot is unique, and a tailored approach is necessary to ensure the best possible care. Podiatric surgeons use advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to understand the root cause of the problem and create a customized plan that suits your lifestyle, condition, and health goals. Whether you need custom-made orthotics for foot support, or a specific surgical solution, these specialists ensure that your care is fully tailored to provide relief and improve quality of life.

Why Choose Namokar Hospital for Podiatric Surgery Treatment in Indirapuram?

Namokar Hospital is a leading destination for podiatric surgeons in Indirapuram, offering medical facilities and compassionate approach, the hospital offers expert podiatric surgery with a focus on personalized patient care. The experienced team of podiatric surgeons at Namokar Hospital combines the latest medical technologies with a patient-first philosophy, ensuring the best outcomes for conditions ranging from common foot issues to complex surgeries. With a track record of successful surgeries and patient satisfaction, Namokar Hospital is the go-to destination for podiatric treatment in Indirapuram. Whether you require routine foot care or advanced surgical intervention, Namokar Hospital provides comprehensive solutions to keep your feet healthy and pain-free.

[ankleandfootcentersofamerica]

Is Plantar Fasciitis Surgery Right for You?

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel and arch of the foot. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis can be treated with non-surgical methods, such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). However, if non-surgical treatment is ineffective, surgery may be an option.

What is plantar fasciitis surgery?

Plantar fasciitis surgery is a procedure to release the plantar fascia and relieve the tension causing the pain. There are two main types of plantar fasciitis surgery:

Fasciotomy: This is the most common type of plantar fasciitis surgery. It involves making a small incision in the heel and cutting the plantar fascia.

Heel spur removal is performed if a heel spur contributes to the pain. The heel spur is a bony growth that can form on the heel bone. The surgeon will make a small incision in the heel and remove the heel spur.

Is plantar fasciitis surgery successful?

The success rate of plantar fasciitis surgery is high. Most patients experience relief from pain after surgery. However, there is always a risk of complications, such as infection or nerve damage.

When is plantar fasciitis surgery necessary?

Plantar fasciitis surgery is usually only necessary if non-surgical treatment is ineffective. Consider surgery if you have had plantar fasciitis for more than six months and non-surgical treatment has not helped.

What are the risks of plantar fasciitis surgery?

The risks of plantar fasciitis surgery are low, but they do exist. Some of the possible risks include:

Infection

Nerve damage

Recurrent pain

Blood clot

Scarring

What is the recovery time for plantar fasciitis surgery?

The recovery time for plantar fasciitis surgery is typically 6-8 weeks. You must wear a cast or boot for the first few weeks. You must also avoid putting weight on your foot for some time.

Conclusion

Plantar fasciitis surgery is a safe and effective treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis that has not responded to non-surgical treatment. However, it is essential to weigh the risks and benefits of surgery before deciding. If you are considering plantar fasciitis surgery, talk to your podiatrist about the best option.

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options. Many effective non-surgical treatments are available, and surgery should only be considered as a last resort.

[sorefeetusa]

Step-by-Step Guide for Plantar Wart Removal By Expert Foot Doctors In Plainfield

Plantar warts can be a source of discomfort and frustration for many individuals. These small, grainy growths on the soles of the feet can cause pain while walking and can even multiply if left untreated. 

Fortunately, there are expert Foot Doctor Plainfield who specializes in the removal of plantar warts. In this blog, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide to the effective removal of plantar warts, ensuring a pain-free and successful treatment process.

Step1: Consultation & Diagnosis

The first step towards Plantar Wart Removal is to schedule a consultation with a qualified foot doctor in Plainfield. During this appointment, the foot doctor will examine your feet and diagnose the presence of plantar warts. They will assess the size, location, and number of warts to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Step2: Treatment Options

After the diagnosis, the Foot Doctor Plainfield will discuss the various treatment options available. They may recommend a combination of treatments to ensure the most effective and lasting results. Some common treatment options for plantar wart removal include:

•Topical Medications: The doctor may prescribe topical medications that contain salicylic acid. These medications help to dissolve the wart gradually over time. They are usually applied directly to the wart and require regular and consistent usage.

•Cryotherapy: This treatment involves freezing the wart using liquid nitrogen. The freezing process destroys the wart tissue, allowing healthy skin to grow in its place. Cryotherapy is a quick and relatively painless procedure that is highly effective in removing plantar warts.

•Laser Therapy: In some cases, the foot doctor may recommend laser therapy for Plantar Wart Removal. This procedure uses a focused beam of light to target and destroy the wart tissue. Laser therapy is precise and minimally invasive, offering a high success rate for wart removal.

Step3: Treatment Process

Once you and your Foot Doctor Plainfield have decided on the most suitable treatment option, the actual removal process begins. This may involve regular applications of topical medications, scheduled cryotherapy sessions, or laser therapy appointments. The foot doctor will guide you through the treatment process, ensuring you are comfortable and informed at every step.

Step4: Post-Treatment Care

After the Planter Wart Removal procedure, proper post-treatment care is essential to prevent recurrence and promote healing. The foot doctor will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your feet and what precautions to take. It is crucial to follow these instructions diligently to optimize the recovery process.

Step5: Follow-Up Appointments

Following the wart removal, Foot Doctor Plainfield will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. These appointments are essential to ensure the wart has been completely eradicated and to address any concerns or questions you may have. The foot doctor will assess your healing and provide further guidance if needed.

Conclusion

Dealing with plantar warts can be frustrating, but with the help of an expert foot doctor in Plainfield, you can find effective removal solutions. By following a step-by-step guide, which includes consultation, diagnosis, treatment options, treatment process, post-treatment care, and follow-up appointments, you can overcome plantar warts and regain comfort in your feet. 

Remember, it is crucial to seek professional guidance and not attempt self-removal, as this may lead to further complications. Take the first step towards healthy, wart-free feet by consulting a foot doctor who specializes in Plantar Wart Removal in Plainfield today.

For more details visit our website sorefeetusa.com

[fingertipsmp3]

Just had to throw my slippers away and I’m genuinely on the verge of tears. Feels like adding insult to injury

[kayvanh123]

How Prolonged Achilles Tendinitis Causes Chronic Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Introduction Achilles tendinitis is a common condition affecting athletes, runners, and individuals with active lifestyles. While it often resolves with rest and treatment, prolonged Achilles tendinitis can lead to chronic pain, significantly affecting quality of life. In this article, we explore how prolonged Achilles tendinitis develops into chronic pain, the underlying mechanisms, symptoms, and effective treatment options to manage and prevent it.

What is Achilles Tendinitis? Achilles tendinitis refers to inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. The condition is often caused by repetitive stress, overuse, or sudden increases in physical activity.

When untreated or poorly managed, acute tendinitis can progress to a chronic state, resulting in long-term pain and functional limitations.

How Prolonged Achilles Tendinitis Leads to Chronic Pain

Degenerative Tendon Changes (Tendinosis) Chronic tendinitis causes the tendon fibers to weaken due to repeated microtears and incomplete healing. Over time, this leads to:

Collagen disorganization

Reduced tendon elasticity and strength

Formation of scar tissue

These degenerative changes, known as tendinosis, result in stiffness and chronic pain.

Neovascularization and Nerve Ingrowth Prolonged inflammation can stimulate the formation of new, abnormal blood vessels in the tendon (neovascularization). These blood vessels often bring new pain-sensing nerve fibers, increasing sensitivity and contributing to chronic pain, even with minimal activity.

Persistent Inflammation and Swelling Continued stress on the Achilles tendon can cause low-grade, unresolved inflammation. This inflammatory state sensitizes surrounding tissues, perpetuating the pain cycle.

Calcification and Bone Spurs Prolonged Achilles tendinitis may result in calcification of the tendon or the development of bone spurs where the tendon attaches to the heel bone. These structural changes can irritate the tendon and nearby tissues, causing pain and limiting mobility.

Symptoms of Chronic Achilles Tendinitis Chronic Achilles tendinitis is characterized by:

Persistent pain along the back of the heel or lower calf

Morning stiffness in the tendon

Swelling and tenderness

Thickened or nodular tendon

Pain that worsens during activity and improves with rest

Difficulty walking or running

Risk Factors for Chronic Achilles Tendinitis Certain factors increase the likelihood of Achilles tendinitis progressing to chronic pain, including:

Overuse without adequate rest

Poor biomechanics (e.g., flat feet, tight calf muscles)

Wearing improper footwear

Lack of warm-up or stretching before exercise

Age-related tendon degeneration

Treatment Options for Chronic Achilles Tendinitis

Conservative Management

Rest and Activity Modification: Reduce high-impact activities to allow the tendon to heal.

Physical Therapy: Eccentric exercises can strengthen the tendon and improve flexibility.

Orthotics and Footwear: Supportive shoes or custom orthotics can correct biomechanical issues.

Anti-inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs may help reduce pain and inflammation.

Advanced Treatments

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Stimulates healing by promoting blood flow and collagen production.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Enhance tissue repair by delivering growth factors directly to the damaged area.

Corticosteroid Injections: Reduce inflammation, though their use must be limited to avoid further tendon damage.

Surgical Intervention In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue, repair tears, or address bone spurs. Post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial for optimal recovery.

Prevention of Chronic Achilles Tendinitis To reduce the risk of chronic Achilles tendinitis:

Gradually increase activity levels

Incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine

Wear proper footwear with adequate arch support

Address any biomechanical issues with a healthcare professional

Prioritize rest and recovery after intense physical activity

[catboybiologist]

Alright, this is going to be a ramble that's been pent up for a very, VERY long time. And fuckit, its gonna have some specific details, but I have so much rage about this that I don't even care anymore.

I'm gonna take a moment to brag, because I promise it'll be relevant.

Most people following one of my blogs probably consider me physically fit. And hell, I am proud of my physical accomplishments. I'm a very strong swimmer. I'm extremely "naturally" good at ocean swimming and freediving- during my introductory freediving course, I exceeded the requirements for two certification levels above me, and I've tried to maintain that skill. I'm not as "naturally" good at through hiking and climbing, but I was able to dedicate myself to it for a bit and easily did routes such as the HST, Rae Lakes loop, and "self-made" routes through other parks this summer. I'm looking to the JMT and others in the near future. I'm no boulderer, but I scramble over rocks and logs with ease. I'm far better at all of these things than an average human being.

But here's some other fun facts:

I've never had a mile run time below 10 minutes. I only have one below 12 minutes, and that was when I was actively training and pushing myself to it. This is below the average mile time of a man in his 50s.

I have to tap out after doing a pitiful number of jumping jacks.

I've never participated in an organized sport.

During PE and team sport activities I was forced to participate in growing up, I was always the person picked last, and was clearly the worst of the bunch.

So let's talk about this. CW, medical stuff ahead.

Take a look at these:

These are two surgical scars on either side of my left ankle.

When I was a preteen, I had a nasty twist in my ankle that fractured my ankle's growth plate. I was on crutches for a while. Even with physical therapy, still walked with a limp afterwards.

My doctor was confused at my recovery, and also thought that my fall was too minor of an incident to cause the damage it did. Eventually, follow up X-rays and even an MRI of my foot were done.

Every. Single. One. Of the bones in my ankle, and some in my feet, were covered in hairline, spiderweb looking fractures. I had abnormal growths and bone spurs (cue the Trump jokes). The MRI revealed the culprit: a bridge of cartilage in my heel, partially fusing my ankle joint. The end result was a reduced "springiness" and impact resistance in my ankle, as well as reduced flexibility both left/right and up/down. So when my foot tried to flex too much, or encountered an impact that it couldn't properly accommodate for… all of that extra force and flexing was going through my foot and ankle bones instead.

Now under normal circumstances, this probably would've been totally fine. If excess, repeated impact weren't applied, or I didn't flex it improperly on a regular basis, and in general, I just quit whatever I was doing when my ankle started to get sore, it would just be one more quirk of my body that I had to watch out for for the rest of my life.

Jogging was exactly the kind of repeated impact that stressed it out. It hurt. A lot. I knew something was wrong. I pleaded PE teachers and coaches for something, anything else to do.

But after a while, something else started to happen- since I was limited by my ankle, and not my cardiovascular health, I never got my heart rate up in PE. I never worked on any kind of physical health. And it started to slip.

So in addition to pain, I was starting to huff and be overexerted to the same level as everyone else for those pitiful 12 minute mile times. And so, of course, the PE teachers thought I was just being lazy, and just needed to work harder to improve those times. I just needed to push myself harder. Clearly it was just how much and how effectively I was training that was the problem.

I had extensive orthopedic surgery when I was 15. My ankle was opened on both sides, the bones pried open, cartilage cut out, and a titanium plug inserted to ensure that the gap between joints stayed open.

I spent pretty much the rest of my teens recovering from that. Physical therapy, pain meds, the works. It impacted my mental health a lot as well, of course.

It all started to work, however, and ~1-2 years out from the surgery, I was fully ambulatory and mostly pain free. By undergrad, it was a quirky fun fact- I could joke about being a cyborg because of that little scrap of titanium. It still bothers me from time to time, even today, but I know my limits and basic home PT techniques well.

I was still attending PE the entire time. I had some accommodations, but they were essentially just the teacher saying "alright, you're still running the mile, but I'll be lenient on grading you". I had the doctor's notes. I had the meetings with administrators. I had the paperwork to back me up.

But a lot of mental damage had been done. I had already internalized being the "physically unfit" and "lazy" kid. I took no care for my physical health. I thought I was a lost cause.

I always like hiking and swimming, but once I had the ability to explore my options, I started leaning more and more into them. And hell, I found out I was quite good at them. Nowadays, I can't do them daily, but I do them as often as I can, and try to do semi-frequent exercises adjacent to them- weighted stairs and the like.

I'll never be champions at them. When I swim directly downwards in freediving, I "spiral" down because of the asymmetry in my ankle flex. My ankle was also the first thing to give out nearly every day on the trail, not in a dramatic way, but in a "hey, probably time to make camp for the night" kinda way.

High school and middle school PE actively prevented me from doing that. I was too exhausted and in too much pain to explore any exercise options that weren't something I was specifically forced to do by the class.

Discovering my form of exercise was part of my mental recovery. But let's extend this a bit further.

What if I didn't? Or couldn't? I cannot fucking imagine going through the mental beatdown of having a disability during PE during as a teenager, internalizing that in your ego, and having a piece of your self worth tied to it. Hell, even when no disability is involved. What if your value is so intrinsically tied to your weight, and the fucked up, wildly inaccurate idea of "health" that this system puts on kids? It's fucked up. I know I'm privileged to be ambulatory now, and to actually have forms of exercise that work extremely well for me.

The true mental healing wasn't getting physically good at the things I do, or exercising well. It was trying to free myself from arbitrary metrics of physical fitness as a measure of self worth.

Maybe I'm being dramatic. Maybe my situation is too rare, or too specific, or too tied into other confounding factors in my life to matter. Maybe it became a bigger problem in my head because I was going through other stuff at the time as well.

But I don't know. Even considering all of that, even trying to remove that all from me, even trying to look at all this neutrally, I just can't see the value in PE- at least, not the way its conducted in most US schools. It doesn't contribute to student health. It doesn't give students a physically active break during their day. And in some cases, it actively hurts people.

Fuck PE.

For research (and due to my own grievances):

Reblog for bigger sample size (or don't, but I will be yelling at you from the sidelines)