The Diagnosis? I'm a Stiff-Necked (and Hipped) Person

It has been a few weeks now since I visited a doctor for the pain in my foot that I thought was posterior tybial tendon dysfunction. So here's what's happened since then.

The doctor acknowledged the pain in my foot, but her diagnosis was a misaligned hip. Apparently, my hamstrings are super tight, one side pulling one side of my hip away so that my hip isn't parallel to the ground. This results in my right shoulder dropping lower than my left shoulder, and also all my weight naturally resting on my left foot. Hence all the pain in my left foot. I'm basically stiff and inflexible physically as well as mentally!

Do I Have Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction?

Detail from a statue of Hercules at the Corinth Museum

For a few months now I have been suffering from pain in my left foot. At first it was plantar fasciitis, a pain that was intense in the mornings, but faded away during the day. I realized I had a tendency to put all my weight on my left foot, so I tried to change my habits, and after some stretching to improve my ankle flexibility, the plantar pain faded away.

Then I became aware of other pains in my left foot.

The Reason for This Blog

This blog is meant to be a way for me to stay motivated and committed to my goal of getting fit. I plan to document everything I try, the results, the hurdles, the successes, the failures... everything. Hopefully, it will be something that goes beyond a simple record and becomes a source of inspiration to others who are struggling to get fit while juggling many responsibilities.

Here is my fitness story (or lack of it).

I was never really fit. I wasn't much of a sportsperson in school, never did much physical activity. After college, I did run for a while, but nothing major.

Fast forward a decade.

I am now past 35. I've been working on computers for the past 10 years. I've gained a lot of weight, most of it fat. I've lost a lot of flexibility. I work 8-10 hours a day. I have a family. I have very little time.

About two years ago, I found myself on assignment out of the country. With my family safely at home, I found myself with plenty of time on my hands and managed to complete a 10-week beginner's calisthenics program. The change I noticed in that 10-week period was eye-opening. I didn't get a six pack, but I was definitely stronger and much much fitter.

Sadly, I didn't stick to the regimen once I got back home. Now I'm almost back to where I was before I started working out.

Now I can't go to a gym because I do not have the time nor can I justify the cost. Therefore I have decided that the best way for me to go is a blend of these three things that I can do at home (or near it):

1. Calisthenics
2. Running
3. Stretching

This way I will spend less time travelling, and since my kids can also hang out with me while I work out at home, I get to spend more time with them too.

Let the journey begin!