Put me on the D.L. too :-( [Archive]

Boneman

06-17-2008, 11:54 PM

The feet being our foundation... mine gave out on me this day.... so basically, I ended up being third in the tournament at work that absolutely was mine for the winning.

C'est la vie....

So... for now, I'm hanging up the paddles... whilst I pursue the processes and products that I need to restore my very seriously debauched feet.

Acute plantar fasciitis in both... cortizone shots administered.... appointment forthcoming with the foot doc.

Could be a long time healing... especially knowing my track record when it comes to such things as connective tissue.

Methinks the gist... and when the problem started was when they moved the table out on the patio... that is made of pavers. Cobbles... they are NOT at all flat or even... not like a paved, poured or even a wood floor.

Either way... it's somewhat unsettling to come to realize that your body seems no longer able to support your level of play.

Could also be that I've needed some sort of professionally made custom orthotics... and table tennis just brought that to light.

We shall see... but for now... and with EXTREME regret.... I've got to give it up. Hopefully to return as I do love the game. He||... at the moment... I can barely WALK.

Hovis Bread Eater

06-18-2008, 01:49 PM

It's so important to get the best quality table tennis shoes out there, to prevent injuries.

I have never had a bad pair of Adidas Table Tennis shoes.

Can't belive i used to wear Double Coin ones with added inner soles, although very light and stuck to any floor, they could not have been doing my feet anygood. So I only played in them and practiced in heavier shoes.

Nunney

06-18-2008, 02:10 PM

Boneman

06-19-2008, 09:55 AM

Thanks all for your thoughts and comments. I've never owned a pair of Table Tennis Specific shoes.... and seeing as the only way I would be able to procure them would be via mail-order... let's just say, I'm somewhat reluctant.

Sizes any more.... pursuant to country of manufacture... are all over the map.

But we shall see....

I'll post back any updates as they arise.

It's just... well... it's just out and out depressing is all. Sometimes "reality" aint a proggy on the telly, eh? :-S

Boneman

06-27-2008, 08:02 PM

So this is what was done... the Digital Gait Scan. Really fascinating all the dubious things that were going on with my feet.

http://www.footmaxx.com/

Hopefully, the fully computer generated orthotics will arrive in the promised 2 weeks.... and quickly get me on the road to recovery.

YEAH!

Annie

06-27-2008, 08:16 PM

I have to say Boneman, although I am sorry you have experienced this I thank you on behalf of everyone that you have shared this with us.

There may well be others out there that can learn from your experiences. surely that is what TT Talk is all about, being able to share experiences, opinons and recommendations.

Thanks again Boneman! :thumbsup:

Boneman

06-28-2008, 11:15 AM

No problem sharing this at all. It is my sincerest hope to be posting outstanding results once the "footgear" arrives.

Really wild... the "olde fashioned" way of making orthotic inserts of this nature was to mould the feet... and while that was the standard for years, it only allowed for designing the inserts pursuant to a "static model" of the foot.

Having all the digital information... not only with the feet not moving... but fully loaded down with the body's weight... then to add all the dynamic information of the feet in motion, under load, etc. should make for an ideal situation.

And no... they didn't cast moulds of the feet. These will be made completely based on digital information. In fact... the manufacturer had all that information transmitted to them while I stood there and watched.

Amazing stuff....

HarryBelafonte

06-28-2008, 03:34 PM

yeah,I think these guys were on the dragons den, an ideas programme trying to get money to sort out funding for their projects,,,,they were turned down, but have since made a firtune with these machines...:dance3:

Boneman

06-29-2008, 10:36 AM

If the outcome is as good as I expect, I daresay their good fortune is well deserved.

Meanwhile the Doc gave me this interesting stretching excersize to relieve the feet... Roll my foot back and forth over a bottle...

I'm actually using an aluminium core tube from some Dove Promises foil....

The results are startling.... Downright unsettling.... The feet feel GREAT...

HarryBelafonte

06-30-2008, 02:49 PM

The one i was told to use by an old athletics coach from the sports centre i work at was;
Pick up a pencil with your toes near to yor feet. place as far away as possibe,drop it,then pick up again and return to feet. repeat about ten times do 3 sets.

:happy::happy::happy:

Boneman

07-01-2008, 09:43 AM

Wow.... that's cool... a whole new approach to "Pencil Pushing" as it were, eh? ;-)

Thanks. I'll have to give that a try!

Annie

07-01-2008, 08:40 PM

Wow.... that's cool... a whole new approach to "Pencil Pushing" as it were, eh? ;-)

Thanks. I'll have to give that a try!

Hey! Why not try and draw me a picture? :resent:

Boneman

07-11-2008, 10:35 AM

LOL.... a picture.... I'm a CAD man (i.e., formerly and "olde school" Draftsman) by trade.... I can draw about anything you like... as long as I can use a ruler. ;-)

I received the inserts yesterday. Had I not know it was a technological marvel I would have been on the phone to the Vatican to find out how one might proceed as far as reporting a MIRACLE...

It's not even been 24 hours and the relief I'm experiencing... is nearly beyond belief.... Not only are the feet VASTLY improved... I can feel many other things that are undergoing a transformation.

For the first time... I actually feel like I'm standing STRAIGHT... oh yeah... all my life I thought I was.... now I know the difference. I feel differences in my knees and hips... lower back...

It's amazing... how you don't know how "wrong" things are... until they're put "right"....

I'll post back further updates down the line... but for now... I'm absolutely amazed....

Astounded even.... Borderline flabbergasted.......

SteveJ

07-11-2008, 10:39 AM

Nice to see you back on the feet Boneman and hey we all need putting back together once the age kicks in!

Nice one

Boneman

07-19-2008, 01:26 AM

A week to the day ofter taking delivery on the digital orthotic inserts and... I entered the "neighborhood" tournament last night... and CRUSHED ALL COMERS....

THAT... from a man who was to the point of tears just trying to get on my feet out of BED in the morning.

Last night I was hurting after the tourney... but did my "Spa" treatment of the feet.... I actually have a homedics bubbling foot spa. It's wonderful on it's own... add epsom salt and it's GOLDEN. Slapped on the lidocaine patches for the overnight... spent the day on the digital orthotics....

Today... tonight actually... right now... I have a wee twinge in the left foot. AND THAT IS ALL....

Amazing what a little technology... and a bit of money.... :-S can accomplish!!!!

I implore anyone... if they're having heel pain.. particularly at the front of the heel (back of the arch).... tend to it. If you can get the digital gait scan GO FOR IT. I wish I had done it months ago.... My feet are almost back to 100%... my knee pain is diminishing... my sciatic issues are fading... :woho:

Yeah.... the Boneman's back... well... almost. ;-)

Annie

07-19-2008, 06:19 AM

Well that's terrific news Boneman! :thumbsup:

Sounds like there'll be no holding you back now! :woho:

Mr Wilko

07-20-2008, 12:03 AM

Boneman

07-20-2008, 12:27 PM

Well that's terrific news Boneman! :thumbsup:

It is great news. Downright amazing! Of late, I've been walking around... just cuz I CAN!

Sounds like there'll be no holding you back now! :woho:

Well... I'm taking it slow but steady for now. I'm vastly improved... and if I were to re-injure now it would be quite problematic.

Must keep up the routine... stretches, massages... all that rot.... as I'm still feeling twinges... these are warning signs... and a good thing too otherwise I may jump back in full throttle and that may prove counterproductive.

Boneman

07-20-2008, 12:30 PM

i currently wear butterfly tt shoes, light but not very cushioned, so not so forgiving, may have to reconsider.......the new stiga ones look nice, dont know much about their performance tho! could be the player not the shoe!!!!

best wishes boneman, hope you make a full recovery

Seeing as I'm compelled to wear these custom orthotic inserts... I'm wondering if getting a pair of T.T. shoes would be any advantage...

First off... I would have to remove the insoles to accomodate the orthotics... once that is done, I wonder... what at that point the advantages of the sport-specific shoe would retain?

Your insights would be most edifying and absolutely appreciated. TIA!

Nunney

07-21-2008, 01:42 PM

they must be the new Butterfly shoe Nunney???? HA HA HA :redcard:
must have been a bit of sense in the quote there somewhere Mr Wilco!:blum3:

Good on ya boneman, glad you're back on your feet!

Mr Wilko

07-23-2008, 09:23 PM

[quote=Nunney;7053]must have been a bit of sense in the quote there somewhere Mr Wilco!:blum3:

OOOO HANDBAGS!!!! :redcard::redcard::redcard:

Boneman

08-16-2008, 12:09 PM

Weel 'tis been awhile since I've posted back and here's a quick update.... I'm still not able to play... and the feet are still in rough shape. In fact last tim I did play was in the local tournament. The feet made it quite clear that was not a good idea.

Alas... this could be one of those injuries that take a LOOOOOONG time to heal....

Unsettling to say the least. I do plan on re-visiting the doc... just to ensure that my progress is not... shall we say... abnormal?

LOL... Abnormal all depends on what one's perception of "normal" is I'm afraid.... and with me, that's a very difficult call.

;-)

DaveR

08-16-2008, 12:16 PM

Hey Larry nice to have you around again and i got a little injury also but hopefully just a muscle so not as bad .................normal tends to change as we get older i have found !

you keep working and keep us up to speed with some information from your part of the table tennis world !

Dave

Boneman

08-17-2008, 12:06 PM

Hey Larry nice to have you around again and i got a little injury also but hopefully just a muscle so not as bad .................

Ouch. Sorry to hear it. Muscles do respond well to moist heat. Actually my feet kind of respond to that as well but just not so much.

normal tends to change as we get older i have found !

Absolutely... especially when one's own personal version of "normal".... is not that of society at large, eh? :bag:

you keep working and keep us up to speed with some information from your part of the table tennis world !

Will do. My biggest problem (aside from the feet) is so wanting to get back in the game... knowing full well that to do so could end up being disastrous.

Tendon / Ligament injuries can take much time to heal. A colleague of mine ruptured his achilled tendon playing softball. Of course that required surgery... and a FULL YEAR to heal.

While I don't believe I've ruptured / torn any ligaments... (though actually that's not been ruled out by MRI as such) this is quite the injury.

I'll be here lurking for certain. Living vicariously (for now) through the tales and experiences of others here.

;-)

Boneman

08-21-2008, 01:26 AM

OK... so saw the Foot Doc this afternoon and he was quite concerned about my continued issues.

After checking the fit of the orthotics... and verifying that they are a most excellent fit we've decided to move on to the next aggressive form of treatment.

Starting with corticosteroidal injections into the arches. Had the first in a series of three whilst there today. While that wasn't exactly pleasant... it didn't suck too much either. Interesing how he pumped a goodly barrel full of stuff in there without my feet howling. I felt the stick more than that.

Four hours later and I'm feeling the "Burn" he said I might. And not to worry... as that will be replaced with PROFOUND relief by the morning.

I CAN'T WAIT! ;-)

I will continue to refrain from Table Tennis for the time being. Makin' me a bit nuts... as I was just getting down the finer points of the new bat... but... better I wait it out rather than possibly injure myself to the point were I will never play again.

Meanwhile... I have my modailities to work with as well... and... if these injections aren't quite enough then I'm off to physical therapy.

Tell you what.... I don't wish this sort of injury on ANYONE.

DO YOUR STRETCHES GANG!!!!

Boneman

10-06-2008, 07:25 PM

Almost 90 days since I've last played the game. I'm about bonkers not playing but the feet are still horribly paining me.

Here's the update: Have had the $300 custom orthotics since 25 June. No response to that... I have been through the series of 5 corticosteroidal injections. Still no response... had them X-rayed... nothing.... Neurological tests... No damage... nothing abnormal....

Next step is the MRI...

According to the Doc the Plantar Fascia is actually a throwback to the days when we tread the sands of the earth barefoot... and really, is jus there to protect the bottom of the foot. In fact... the next step in treatment is to use RF (Radio Frequency) to dis-able the nerves that are transmitting the pain.

I suggested the MRI prior... just to ensure that there's no other underlying causes.

I'm still out here gang... pining away to break out the bats and have a swing or two.... but I promised myself 90 days off.... though at this juncture... it seems pointles.

Will post any updates as they're realized.

Annie

10-06-2008, 07:31 PM

Keep your chin up Boneman, it sounds like heaven and earth is being moved to help you and you're in the best possible hands.

Stay a while and keep us company.

Boneman

10-21-2008, 01:59 PM

Well... been back at it a little now and again... feet are still troubling me... and TONIGHT... I go for the fabled MRI to see... what... if anything... can be seen.

My prediction? Either there will be a plethora of things wrong... or NOTHING will be wrong... hence... the pain is a neuralgia of sorts....

Dunno... we shall see. I'll post back when I have any further clarification. Meanwhile... even if on a limited basis, getting out there swinging the bat around is wonderful.

Annie

10-21-2008, 02:01 PM

Boneman

10-22-2008, 09:21 AM

Thanks Annie!

Boneman

10-23-2008, 04:13 PM

So there I have it... MRI concludes significant thickening and tearing of both plantar fascia.... and in spite of best efforts... not healing...

Next step.... RF Lesioning....

Stay tuned....

Annie

10-23-2008, 05:45 PM

So there I have it... MRI concludes significant thickening and tearing of both plantar fascia.... and in spite of best efforts... not healing...

Next step.... RF Lesioning....

Stay tuned....

Well if there's a next step there's hope? Keeping my fingers crossed for you Boneman :happy:

A friend of mine had a bump in her car. she's 35 and has always kept herself fit and healthy. anyway she went to 7 different Doctors who one by one diagnosed her as having Degenerative Arthritis. The prognosis was bleak. She was in constant pain and was told it would just get progressively worse.

Anyway we have Private Medical at work and she went to see a consultant. Seems she had two slipped discs. Had the op last week and she reckons as soon as she awoke the specific pain she was having had disappeared.

I'm so happy for her because she thought her sporting life was over and a life of pain was her unavoidable future. She's got her life back.

Keep your chin up Boneman. :comfort:

Boneman

10-24-2008, 01:54 AM

Two herniated discs, eh? I've got one in the neck myself. As to degenerative arthritis.. there are different forms. I've got osteo in the neck, shoulders and knees. I take glucosamine, flax seed oil, evening primrose oil, vit E, vit C... all salubrious for arthritis.

The RF Lesioning will be the last thing we can do short of surgery. Hopefully that will do the trick though with my track record... LOL... who knows!

As an added plus, I'm off to se my internist tomorrow to discuss results of some other testing so we'll see how that goes.

One thing that's the bomb for degenerative disc disease (yeah... I got that too) would be an inversion table. A wonderful... quasi-natural form of traction. I love mine and it's had quite a positive impact on my life for certain. Albeit, it does nothing for the feeties.

Glad to hear your friend is on the mend. Herniated discs and the impingements attendant to them can be utterly abysmal.

Boneman

10-26-2008, 01:50 PM

Hmmmm..... OK... still waiting on the RF stuff... but oddly enough... and contrary to my vegetarian intake beliefs... the doc put me on Lovaza (high fallutin' fish oil or some such thing) for another problem.

Stragely... and very near utterly beyond belief.... My feet seemed much improved almost over night.

Omega 3 to the nth power????? I have not a clue..... but.... sometimes one should not question results.... even if they're utterly urelated...

I dunno.... meanwhile... I'm still opting for the RF lesioning.

Doc wants me on a 2000 - 2400 calorie a day diet (yeah... RIGHT).... and to get some excersize...

I really kinda need FEET for that, eh?

Not to worry... we ARE... making progress.

Annie

10-26-2008, 02:03 PM

Boneman

10-27-2008, 09:18 AM

Good stuff Boneman :thumbsup:

I've just recently started to take Cod Liver Oil Capsules because the middle finger of my left hand has gone stiff and painful. Anyone would think I've been gesturing too much! :resent:

OR.... not enough? :dance3:

As to the supplement thing... gad... I take them all.... Evening Primrose Oil, Glucosamine Sulphate, MSM, Vit E... all the joint stuff.

The way I feel most the time you would think the stuff was doing nothing. Yeah... until I forget to take it for a week or so... then I find out in a not so fun way.

Meanwhile.... what works best is to excersize to keep things loose.... so... do what you need to in order to keep that finger limber, eh? ;-)

Mr Wilko

11-01-2008, 11:51 PM

you will start to rattle when you play bonemean the amout of tablets you are taking :thtease:

Boneman

11-02-2008, 12:20 PM

you will start to rattle when you play bonemean the amout of tablets you are taking :thtease:

LOL... I bet. Actually... I had heard once... that one of the signs of old age is that your body sounds like it's making popcorn when you get out of bed in the morning.

I daresay you've come up with a spot-on corollary, sir!

Annie

11-02-2008, 12:45 PM

I'm a strong believer in if it can be done naturally then we should make the effort. However there is no way I'm going to start glugging Cod Liver Oil :yucky: so it's capsuals for me! :happy:

Jase

11-02-2008, 06:44 PM

That is a great result, all I can say from my personal experience is listen to your body and rest as much as you can. Its the hardest thing to do but often coming back from injury to early can really mess things up:bag:
Good luck mate and well done:thumbsup:

Mr Wilko

11-02-2008, 09:41 PM

hope you are on the mend Boneman:rocker::rocker:

Boneman

11-03-2008, 10:29 AM

hope you are on the mend Boneman:rocker::rocker:

Thank you! Dunno but this has been one dubiously long road.

LOL... doc had written in one diagnosis... "Recalcitrant Heel Pain"....

A bit of an understatement methinks.

Boneman

11-17-2008, 11:15 AM

Good Gawd... had the procedure on Friday. The right foot is greatly improved... but the left... I simply cannot put any weight whatsoever on the heel.

:-S

Will be contacting doc today to see if this is normal... or not.