Neck - Hip - Knees - What Else?

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Neck - Hip - Knees - Feet - What Else?


All the ways a body can speak about what its owner is expecting of its parts, without complaints.


The Neck -  Historically the neck has complained from various accidents it has been forced to endure, along with general years of use.  Was all set to get the neck ablutions done a year ago (’24), with the required 2 ‘tests’ before the real thing…but a few days before the first ‘test’ this body slipped on the icy sidewalk next door (students away for the break after Christmas so no shoveling of fresh snow covering an icy walk) and the body slammed to


 the ground and the left wrist was fractured in multiple places.  Surgery.   No long walk in '24 for this and other reasons. 



Fast forward to 2025, and the neck was thoroughly zapped the 2 ‘tests’ and then the real ablation.   Time for neck to stop complaining, and it has.


The Hips.  Varies between left and right.  At times the pain is so strong it felt like there surely must be a broken bone.  X-rays.  No fracture - but there is arthritis.  Solution:  Cortisone injection in October '24 put a good temporary ‘bandage’ on the problem.  Will return to have it redone before departure for Scotland/England.


The Knees.  Those two knees have been in major discomfort mode for years and years.  In 2022 when trekking the John Muir Way round trip the right leg wore the metal/velcro brace the entire time.   




Back in November ’24 both knees received another cortisone injection and they are performing well.  They too will be re-shot before departing.


The Feet.  Everything seemed to be going along fine with the hips and knees and neck - when suddenly one day in March (’25) while walking the usual route around town intense pain in the left foot.  Could hardly step.  Without a shoe on in order to move about the house it couldn’t take any weight and the hands had to reach out and grab anything to hang on to.  PAIN.   Another visit to Orthopedics and an injection of cortisone into the left heel.  Prescribed orthopedic shoe inserts.  


That helped a bit, but was not a miracle cure.  Weeks of slight improvement, slight mental hope that this long distance walk will be able to happen.  After 4 weeks the foot felt better.  Saw the doctor one day who was pleased.  That same day I payed the final installment to Contours Walking Holidays arranging the accommodations for the WHW/GGW, and the NEXT day the foot again gave out.  Set up Physical Therapy sessions and began the process of strengthening and stretching a very sore and tight foot.

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