follow-up: shoes in the house

I mentioned here that a podiatrist said I should start wearing shoes in the house. That is, I should go back to what I did before I moved to Canada.

In comments, some readers had useful suggestions about picking up a pair of cheap shoes at Payless or the like, to be worn exclusively inside. Alas, that won't work.

On a follow-up visit, Ms Podiatrist explained that shoes are 50% of the treatment, and my feet should be in good, supportive running shoes, as often as possible. She showed me the x-rays and explained why - and explained what gruesome things will happen if I don't take this pain seriously.

I then realized that, because I work from home five days a week, I am in slippers more often than not. (Nice, eh?) That's a lot of time of non-support.

So I have to buy another pair of good running shoes, and keep them for inside the house. At least they will last a long time. Ms Podiatrist gave me a tip on a place in Mississauga that sells close-outs and last season's models, so I'll follow up on that.

Orthotics are in my future. Right now I'm wishing both Allan and I had supplemental health insurance, which would double my reimbursement. Also very Canadian of me. I must get in touch with my inner American, who is grateful to have any insurance reimbursement at all.

I also remind myself that I have no choice! I have to get through the second half of this good life on the same pair of feet. I love to walk and hike, and right now I can't do much of either; untreated, it will only get worse. It's astonishing how much more maintenance the body requires as one ages.

I've also been going for acupuncture treatments, my first time trying that, with good results so far. I can't decide whether or not to blog about it. Too personal? Or potentially useful information? I don't know. So if anyone wants to make the decision for me, and would like to hear about my acupuncture experience, let me know.