Toes on Fire

A few years ago when I lost 45 pounds, I worked out. I worked out a lot.
Once in a while, I would get numb toes. Once in a while, they would feel like they were on fire.
Since I started this weight loss journey back in January of this year, I've been running and working out 5-6 days a week.
My toes get numb one minute and then they're on fire the next.
It's not pleasant, and it feels like it's been getting worse.
I thought it was normal because the pain would go away every so often when I would curl my toes as I'm running. I also thought maybe I was running "wrong."
Well... I did a little research online two nights ago, and I "self-diagnosed" it as Morton's Neuroma.
It sounds scary, doesn't it?
I looked at several sites, and they said the name just sounds scarier than it actually is.
However, if left untreated and gets worse, it can lead to nerve damage.
THAT sounds scary!
So I took my butt over to a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon yesterday to have it checked out.
I have all of the classic symptoms in my toes:
*tingling
*burning
*numbness
*pain
*a feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot,
or that there's a rise in the shoe or a sock is bunched up
The surgeon squeezed my toes together, and I felt the nerve tissue almost go "pop" on both feet.
The surgeon treated me with 2 alcohol sclerosing injections in my right foot. She wanted to do the left foot, but our lovely health insurance doesn't like that. I have to wait a couple of weeks to see if these injections worked in my right foot to get the injections in my left foot. In this treatment, the doctor injects a small amount of alcohol in the area of the neuroma area to help harden (sclerose) the nerve and relieve the pain. Injections are given every 7–10 days and, in many cases, 4–7 injections are needed for maximum relief.
I'm used to getting shots, but not on my foot!
I really hope that these shots work because I really enjoy running now.
The surgeon also told me to stay away from running for now. I can only go on the stationary bike.
That stinks.
Can you believe I'm complaining about not being able to do some kind of exercise?
I can't believe my ears either.
Anyway, I'm really bummed.
The "up side" of this is that I'm taking care of it BEFORE it gets worse.
I'm glad I'm taking care of it early on before my first 5k (November 2010).

Friday's Plan

30 minutes stationary bike, 10 minute abs, 30 minutes upper body with free weights
2 corn tortillas, 1/6 cup lowfat cheese, 1 oz. roast beef

7 almonds

2 corn tortillas, 1/6 cup lowfat cheese, 1 oz. roast beef
7 almonds

6 oz. grilled salmon, freshly sauteed green beans with garlic

Saturday's Plan
30 minutes stationary bike, 10 minute abs, 30 minutes upper body with free weights
2 corn tortillas, 1/6 cup lowfat cheese, 1 oz. roast beef, 1 apple
7 almonds
2 corn tortillas, 1/6 cup lowfat cheese, 1 oz. roast beef, 1 pear
7 almonds
chicken stirfry with veggies, 1/2 cup white rice

Sunday's Plan
rest day
2 corn tortillas, 1/6 cup lowfat cheese, 1 oz. roast beef, 1 apple
7 almonds
2 corn tortillas, 1/6 cup lowfat cheese, 1 oz. roast beef, 1 pear
7 almonds
chicken stirfry with veggies, 1/2 cup white rice

Have a happy and healthy weekend!

I'll see you all here on Monday!