Minor Obstacle

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Last eve after pilates, my concern was confirmed. The callous on my left foot, running about 2.5 inches from my second toe toward my heel, produced a few drops of blood from a crack about 1/4 inch long. It had been sore for a couple days. The callous has been there for years.

Earlier I had been looking at the callous and I told Natalie it was a boo-boo. She looked at it and dismissed it, saying it was dirt not a boo-boo, with all the certainty a three year old nurse could muster. But after I really got it scrubbed, I'm sorry to admit, it still looks dirty. The rest of the foot gets pinky white, but the callous stays dark. But now I know it is not just dirt.

Well, I've got Neosporin and a Band-Aid on it, so I'm going to Zumba. I hope I can get it healed up without a doctor visit. Anyone have a home remedy for callouses on the foot?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AQUAGIRL08 6/20/2010 2:40PM

I think any time a callous bleeds you have two problems. One problem is the way your shoes are fitting and the second problem is what is making your foot callous and then bleed. If the antibiotic ointment doesn't clear it up within a few days, you probably need to seek out medical treatment. When you go to the foot doctor be sure to take your athletic shoes and the shoes you wear most often during the time when you aren't working out for the doctor to look at. Looking at those shoes can tell the doctor a lot about your feet. Just a suggestion. I hope you feel better soon!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

AMANDAJCD 6/18/2010 9:39AM

The neosporin or polysporin sounds like the way to go. Mine have cracked before and I just waited until they healed then started filing the callous down and using a very heavy emollient moisturizer on it. Over time, that has alleviated my cracking problem. Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 6/16/2010 11:23PM

Marsha I would watch it. give the neosporin a day or 2. It may have been dry and cracked. If it doesn't do something, you may have to see the Doctor. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

DWKINSEY 6/16/2010 9:24PM

Marsha, since you say it is bleeding, your current treatment is probably best for now. When the bleeding stops, try using an emollient foot cream that exfoliates the skin. This will soften the callus and cause it to shed surface cells. I have bad feet myself and have found that keeping the skin soft helps to avoid many problems. If you want to remove a callus, it is best to see a podiatrist to avoid infection. Since calluses are caused by friction, you might try adding some padding to the bottom of your foot to get rid of some of the friction. As we age, the padding on the bottom of the foot decreases, making us more likely to have this problem. Hope it heals soon, Donna Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 6/16/2010 8:39PM

I would be concerned why the callus is there. Its usually in response to continued trauma to your foot, although yours is in a very unusual place. I have very bad calluses on my feet and toes because of my foot problems that even orthotics can't help. But regular scrubbing of them (daily) with a pumice stone or an emery board, and good lotion slathered on after will help. You may want to get it investigated eventually. What if a metal sliver is in there or something? Or you may have a spur. I know how irritating they are. I am lucky to be in a podiatrist's constant care and she files them down for me on a regular basis (as it bothers my hands to scrub them myself). I see her at a reduced price because of my low income. Got to love Canadian Medical Care. Good luck with it.. Report Inappropriate Comment

HAPPYSOUL91 6/16/2010 7:18PM

Well, usually the callous on the foot means it is under and the skin just keep layering. If it doesn't work with the antibiotic then please go to a podiatrist, I would rather be safe. Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 6/16/2010 6:40PM

Hope it heals soon! Report Inappropriate Comment

MEXGAL1 6/16/2010 6:04PM

Hope your booboo is better soon! Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 6/16/2010 3:57PM

Sorry to hear about this Marsha. In the UK it's the sort of issue that a pharmacist could advise on but I guess that things might be different in the US. Hope you get it cleared up soon so that it doesn't hurt or interfere with your life too much. Report Inappropriate Comment

PINKSAINT247 6/16/2010 3:25PM

nope I have one on my left foot about 2inches long 1 inch diameter that cracks and bleeds. i just suck it up and keep going. It'll heal eventually. Report Inappropriate Comment

May Be a Challenging Day

Monday, June 14, 2010

I couldn't sleep last eve. Maybe got three hours. Gave up about 3:30am and got up. I walked for an hour, maybe 3 mph, slower than I usually walk. Thought I might as well put what energy I had to good use. Then did some laundry and house cleaning. My hubby also needed my help with the repair of the porch. I felt like I'd done strength training after holding clamps over my head while he tightened them up. Hope the repair works. We had wind damage last week. It is unclear whether it was a tornado or not, but it was wind for sure.

But, anyway, I'm at significant risk for overeating on days I haven't slept. I am committed to do the best I can, track everything, and accept the tired feeling today. When Natalie naps about 2pm, I will try to lay down, too.

Days like today are one of the reasons I'm not crazy about going back to work. When I have to go to work tired, I am no good. When I ran a grant writing business out of my home, I often would sleep at odd times and work when I felt good. I never missed a deadline. When you have an office job, you have to be there whether you can keep your eyes open or not. But I'm afraid I do need to work a few more years. I'm scheduled to go back to work 20 hours a week on August 2. At least it isn't full time. I'll probably be working long days Monday and Wednesday and keeping grandkids (#2 is due Sept 6) Tues, Thurs, Fri, and Sat. So I'll be quite busy.

It will all work out. I will continue to eat smart and be active. And nowdays my insomnia is usually only bad maybe once a month. Maybe I can continue to improve my sleeping, too. -Marsha

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MONTY68 6/14/2010 10:38PM

Hi Marsha Sorry about your sleep issue, it at least you got some things done. I think I remember that wind, sometimes our weather comes from your direction and we did have some heavy winds like week. I have an idea, next time you got to hold the clamps up for something, let hubby hold them and you tighten. It sounds fair to me. One of the things I have learned about you is that you are focused and think things through, you are aware that you have a risk of overeating when tired, most people never think about it, they just eat. I know that you will make the adjustments that will solve that if and when it happens. Wow, you aren't kidding, that is a 10 hour day. and it looks like you already have a "job" with your grandchildren. You also mentioned that this insomnia is a once in a month thing and I WILL bet that you find a way of adjusting things. So I hope that you did get a nap today and feel a little rested. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

MARYMAC45 6/14/2010 6:17PM

I feel for you. I have insomnia too. I have found that going to bed at the same time every night and getting up at the same time every morning has gotten me into a pattern where I am sleeping more. It helps to read for 30-40 minutes before sleep time. I hope you got your nap in. Good luck on your journey. Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNYE2008 6/14/2010 2:42PM

I can empathize. I read a good article about the fact that stressing about lack of sleep is as bad as the not sleeping--but, I don't know--I feel bad with lack of sleep. Anyway, good luck and hope you get some good sleep. Report Inappropriate Comment

CALCOUNTER4LIFE 6/14/2010 1:10PM

I suffer lack of sleep too. But due to my medicine I'm taking. I have to force myself to shut down. I found protein to help with energy...even when having lack of sleep. But a couple of cat naps aren't bad either. Eat protein if feel like binging. Turkey white meat, Salmon, Chicken White meat.. Usually does less damage overeating those than carbs. Get some rest! -VG Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 6/14/2010 12:58PM

Hope you managed your nap and that you can get your sleep balance back. It's good that you've identified what your risk factors are. Without your careful analysis you would probably have just over-eaten without realising. Now you are aware when and where danger lurks and are able to plan ahead. I know that you will indeed do the best that you can today - and accept that less than perfect is OK sometimes. Report Inappropriate Comment

HAPPYSOUL91 6/14/2010 12:34PM

Hopefully a nap is in your future! I hate it when I wake up at 3:00am like I have somewhere to go Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 6/14/2010 9:57AM

One day at a time! Report Inappropriate Comment

EMBRACE_SUCCESS 6/14/2010 9:36AM

Stay patient and strong! I also eat when I'm tired and know that having a plan that helps me curb some of those impulses. Hope you have a good nap this afternoon:) Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 6/14/2010 9:00AM

Hi Marsha, Sorry to hear you are having trouble with sleep, that is an old, constant problem of mine and I know its so frustrating. I am a bit astonished you would be expected to look after a baby! That is a little much to expect, I would think. It won't do your insomnia any good either. Its too bad you couldn't find work that you could do out of your own home like so many people are doing these days. Maybe a health and fitness consultant like so many Spark people have gotten into :) I hope you can find a way to get some sleep soon. If you do, let me know what worked! Enjoy your day, Linda Report Inappropriate Comment

WILD4STARS 6/14/2010 8:55AM

Hope you get a great nap today. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANNE403 6/14/2010 8:27AM

I had a very bad night sleeping last eve was after midnight when I finally got to sleep. My trouble is I EAT! Then I hate myself & like this AM I feel terrible but I am ready to go walking my 3 miles, then curves. I hear it raining out right now so I will have to use the treadmill! I would much rather walk outside. I am above my wt. goal & that bothers me also, but is my fault! I just keep fighting the battle! Have a great day we all are in this together! Anne Report Inappropriate Comment

_COSMOPAULATAN_ 6/14/2010 7:25AM

It WILL all work out :) Report Inappropriate Comment

Great Ride!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

I rode with PINKSAINT 14.2 miles according to the SparkPeople fitness tracker mapping tool. It was definitely much more fun with a friend. The time went so fast --- almost 100 minutes gone in no time. Although the day will be hot, and this morning was not cool, 7:30am was a good time to start. The trail was mostly shady. All in all, it was a great way to start the day. I hope to ride with PINKSAINT again.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SKEPHART827 6/14/2010 10:03AM

I love to ride. I try to do at least 100 miles a week now that it is finally nice outside. I ride with my husband. Nothing keeps the pounds off better than cycling along with a little weight training. Report Inappropriate Comment

DAVEINSEOUL 6/13/2010 11:47PM

Sounds like you are experiencing some of the joys of cycling. Report Inappropriate Comment

EMBRACE_SUCCESS 6/13/2010 11:36PM

Glad you had such a great time!! Ride on:) Report Inappropriate Comment

DAVEW175 6/13/2010 10:33PM

Sounds like fun! Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 6/13/2010 9:50PM

Thanks for your kind words on my benign smiles blog! Glad that you enjoyed your bike ride -- it's great to exercise with a friend!! Report Inappropriate Comment

BITTYGIRL51 6/13/2010 3:21PM

Much fun!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 6/13/2010 3:04PM

Too cool! I'm hoping to ride to work soon - we'll have to see how it works without a friend... Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 6/13/2010 1:54PM

Marsha What a fantastic ride and a great way to start a day. I have found that when people walk with me that the time and miles add up quicker. Congratulations and enjoy the week. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

STITCHES182 6/13/2010 10:51AM

Great way to start the day & week! Report Inappropriate Comment

Happy Trails to Me! Happy Trails to Us!

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Tomorrow morning I have planned a long bike ride on a local trail with a SparkFriend! Should be lots of fun. I've been riding by myself and wishing for a partner, so this is just what I've wanted. She is much younger than I, so I hope, I hope, I hope I can keep up. She estimated it will take us 90 minutes. I can do it!!! -Marsha

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HAPPYSOUL91 6/13/2010 9:03AM

You will do it, having a friend along is great...enjoy the scenery Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 6/13/2010 12:57AM

You are looking after a young active child every day, you should have this woman for breakfast! LoL!! Enjoy your ride, it will be way more fun with a buddy! Report Inappropriate Comment

EMBRACE_SUCCESS 6/12/2010 11:33PM

Have a GREAT time! You CAN do it:) Report Inappropriate Comment

DBELLE39 6/12/2010 8:47PM

I know you will have a sparktastic time while getting exercise @ the same time! Make sure to stay well hydrated! Report Inappropriate Comment

JUST_TRI_IT 6/12/2010 8:05PM

WOOHOO!!! You will have a lot of fun for certain! Enjoy. Report Inappropriate Comment

MNNICE 6/12/2010 7:46PM

I know you will enjoy it and I'm betting your younger friend will also enjoy having the company! Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 6/12/2010 4:37PM

That's great! I finished a two hour ride this morning with two friends - we plan to start a Saturday morning ride. Report Inappropriate Comment

BITTYGIRL51 6/12/2010 2:28PM

Sounds like a blast. Have fun. Report Inappropriate Comment

WILD4STARS 6/12/2010 1:31PM

I know you can do it. Have fun! Report Inappropriate Comment

Goodies Galore!! Celebrate! Celebrate!

Friday, June 11, 2010

Wow! Today I have received 9 goodies and 58 comments on my SparkPage! I usually try to respond to each person, but don't think I'll get it done today. Hope everyone understands. It definitely has been a pick-me-up to be motivator of the day. Honestly, it was well timed. Thanks, SparkPeople. Thanks, SparkFriends! -Marsha

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WALKINGANNIE 6/14/2010 12:50PM

Big congratulations on this well-deserved recognition Marsha. You are one of my main inspirations. Sorry that I was away on the day, but you're a motivator every day to me. Well done!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JUST_TRI_IT 6/12/2010 8:07PM

WELL DESERVED!!! That extra boost will power you on your bike ride! Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 6/12/2010 1:08PM

No thanks necessary as you deserve it Marsha. I'm glad you enjoyed it and that it was a pick-me-up for your day! Report Inappropriate Comment

HAPPYSOUL91 6/12/2010 9:58AM

So glad that you were supported by both comments and goodies. You don't need to respond but just by reading your blog I come away feeling better and motivated. Make it a great day Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 6/11/2010 11:38PM

Enjoy it Marsha! Its your special time! It was a struggle getting around to everyone. I needed three days to catch up! Now you will get to motivate even more people ;) Report Inappropriate Comment

BROWNIEISLANDER 6/11/2010 10:48PM

Congrats....keep sparking!!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 6/11/2010 8:33PM

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TOCHATTY 6/11/2010 8:11PM

It is okay if you can't respond to everyone, just know you are a great motivator of the day!!!! very inspiring. Report Inappropriate Comment