Seeking Guidance on Walking Challenges
I’m reaching out for advice as I’m experiencing a significant decline in my ability to walk effectively. I’m 15 years old and was assigned female at birth; however, I have socially transitioned to live as a male, and I am not currently on hormone therapy. I have hypermobility and do not take any medications at this time. To explain my situation: I no longer feel constant pain, but when it does flare up, all my muscles tense up. My physiotherapist mentioned locating several unresolved injuries in my legs that seem not to heal. As a result, I struggle with prolonged walking, which can lead to immobility in my feet or sharp pain in my foot. The source of my discomfort isn't related to my muscles; rather, it stems from my ligaments. Additionally, I frequently find myself getting injured, whether it's rolling an ankle, hyperextending my knee, or experiencing neck stiffness. Currently, I'm undergoing osteopathic treatment after an unproductive eight-week stint in physiotherapy, where my therapist recommended I switch to an osteopath. During my sessions, my osteopath has noticed a considerable amount of inflammation, even affecting my organs. I'm uncertain about the next steps or where to seek further help. What should I do now?
Answers (1)
3/18/2025, 12:01:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're facing significant challenges with walking and managing pain related to your hypermobility. It’s important to approach this systematically since your situation involves more than just muscle issues. Here’s a breakdown of what you can do next to improve your mobility and overall well-being.
Main Points:
- Continue focusing on a tailored rehabilitation plan.
- Explore lifestyle modifications and supportive measures.
- Monitor your symptoms and maintain open communication with your healthcare team.
Explanation:
Hypermobility can lead to joint instability and frequent injuries, which seem to be impacting your ability to walk and causing inflammation. The simultaneous presence of injuries, inflammation, and a transition period in which your body might be adjusting means that a comprehensive approach is necessary.
Since you've transitioned from physiotherapy to osteopathy, it's good to assess how this new treatment is affecting you. Osteopathy can help address the body's structure and its impact on movement, but you may need a multifaceted approach that includes both physical and lifestyle modifications.
Next Steps:
-
Regular Treatment: Continue osteopathic treatments as recommended. Be sure to report specific concerns and any changes you feel during these sessions.
-
Tailored Exercise Routine: Work with a physical therapist experienced in hypermobility to build a gentle exercise program focusing on muscle strengthening and joint stability. This can help support your joints and reduce flare-ups.
-
Manage Inflammation: Consider applying ice to inflamed areas and practicing rest techniques to reduce flare-ups and manage pain. Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your diet, such as fatty fish, nuts, and leafy greens, which can help decrease overall inflammation.
-
Footwear Support: Invest in supportive footwear. Arch support and stability in shoes can significantly help reduce strain on your feet and legs while you walk.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms and activities to identify anything that may trigger pain or injury. This can guide discussions with your healthcare providers to adapt your treatment plan.
-
Consider a Multi-Disciplinary Approach: If your current treatments aren’t providing relief, discuss the possibility of consulting a specialist, such as a rheumatologist or a sports medicine physician, who can evaluate other underlying issues related to inflammation and potential management options.
Keeping an open line of communication with your healthcare team about your symptoms and how you’re feeling will help guide your care effectively. Remember to be patient with yourself, as managing hypermobility takes time and often requires trial and error to find what works best for your body.
Related Questions
Injury from a Fall
A 44-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 2 inches and weighing 111 pounds, has no pre-existing medical conditions. Recently, I experienced a mishap two days ago while wearing platform crocs that led to a fall on a tiled surface. In my instinctive reaction, I landed on my palm. Although I can still move and utilize my hand as usual, I’ve noticed significant swelling and considerable pain in the soft area just below the thumb joint. Moreover, when I apply pressure to this spot, I experience a sharp, pinching sensation radiating up my arm. On several occasions, my thumb has also felt momentarily numb but returns to its normal state shortly thereafter. Should I simply allow more time for recovery? I’d prefer to avoid wasting anyone's time if all that’s required is a few days of rest. I appreciate your assistance!
Seeking Guidance on Long-Term Shoulder Muscle Loss After Dislocation
I am a 25-year-old male, and five years ago, I experienced a dislocation of my left shoulder. While the joint has healed well and I have regained a good range of motion, the muscle in my shoulder has not recovered. There is a noticeable difference in muscle mass when compared to my right shoulder. Additionally, I have lost sensation in the area where the muscle has atrophied. When I touch that spot, I feel almost nothing at all. I recall being informed that sensation might return within six months to two years, but unfortunately, that hasn’t happened. In the gym, I've also realized that my left shoulder functions improperly during workouts. While performing chest and shoulder exercises, it seems as though my triceps compensate excessively, rather than the shoulder muscle engaging as it should. This leads to a very frustrating and unbalanced training experience. At this juncture, I’m concerned that the issue may stem from lasting nerve damage caused by the dislocation. I’m curious whether it’s still feasible to rebuild the muscle or regain sensation after such a lengthy period, or if this condition is likely permanent. Have others found themselves in similar situations years later, and did they manage to make any progress or uncover the root cause of their issues? I’m not seeking a diagnosis; I simply wish to understand if the muscle damage is irreversible or if there remains a possible pathway to recovery. What steps should I consider taking next? I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights regarding my situation. Thank you!
Urinary Retention and Lower Back Discomfort
A 38-year-old male weighing 237 pounds has been experiencing urinary issues over the past five days, noting significantly reduced urine output with a very feeble flow—occasionally just a dribble. Yesterday, he began feeling discomfort in his flank region, near where he suspects his kidney is located. Today, that discomfort continued but intensified. He sought help at a prompt care facility where a urinalysis was conducted, revealing no abnormalities. The medical advice he received was to increase his fluid intake. While at the facility, he began to experience severe pain in the lower part of his back, right in the center, making bending a challenge. Currently, he is applying ice to the affected area; however, it's uncomfortable for him to lie down or stand. He wonders if the urinary issues and the back pain are connected and is reluctant to visit the emergency room due to financial concerns. Additionally, he recalls a couple of relevant incidents: last Saturday marked the first time he had gone roller skating in many years, during which he noticed some discomfort in the perineum. He has also been dealing with a cyst in his pubic region for a month, which is gradually improving.
Understanding Injuries: Distinguishing Between Tibial Stress Fracture and Anterior Tibial Tendonitis
Recently, I've ramped up my workout regimen significantly since early December, but I keep facing setbacks with injuries. During December, my routine involved daily outdoor walks and a brief incline walking session, complemented by 30 to 45 minutes of exercise. I noticed a bony protrusion appeared at the back of my right heel, and a similar one started to develop on my left heel as well. When I returned home over the holiday break, my mom arranged for me to see a podiatrist, who diagnosed the right heel bump as a pump bump. On the other hand, the left heel had become a source of greater discomfort and noticeable swelling, to the extent that my Achilles tendon was not visible. The diagnosis for that was Achilles tendonitis. The podiatrist recommended a change of footwear, a steroid treatment plan, anti-inflammatory medications, and a course of physical therapy lasting 4 to 6 weeks. Upon returning to college and anticipating starting physical therapy, I noticed improvements in my ankle discomfort with the new shoes. As a result, I delayed my therapy sessions and resumed a more regular workout routine. Since then, I have been free from significant pain, and both heels are feeling better. My regimen over the last two to three weeks involves about an hour of strength training followed by a two-hour treadmill session—beginning with an incline of 10 at a speed of 3.5, progressively lowering the incline and raising the speed every 10 to 12 minutes. During this treadmill time, I generally study, so I remain engaged. On days when I don’t use the treadmill, I aim to walk several miles outdoors, taking advantage of the hilly terrain on my campus. Sundays serve as my primary rest day, but I still try to complete my fitness rings and take longer walks. Just this past Sunday, I undertook a 10-mile walk that lasted around 2.5 hours, and I noticed the following day that I had discomfort in my right shin. Initially, I assumed it was shin splints and continued my usual activities throughout the week. However, by yesterday, I recognized that the pain was persistent and not improving. Upon closer examination, it seemed like it wasn’t typical shin splint pain; instead, I have localized pain the size of a quarter on the front area of my shin that is tender to the touch and during movement. Mornings tend to be slightly better, but the pain worsens at night after a day spent on my feet. Routine activities aggravate it, and when I walk, it feels akin to a hammer striking my shin. Moreover, if I walk normally and push off with my toes at the end of my stride, a sharp pain radiates up my shin. I have also noted moments where my gait has altered slightly, and I’ve started limping without realizing it, though I can correct my stride when I concentrate. The most discomfort was felt last night after I returned home to my apartment. While lying on my stomach with my legs hanging off the bed, I could still sense the pain even without any movement. Although the pain escalates with weight-bearing activities or when walking, I also experience pain if I sit down with my feet flat and then lift my leg. Driving is particularly challenging as switching between pedals causes significant discomfort. In trying to pinpoint the issue online, I found that my symptoms seemed more closely aligned with a stress fracture rather than the shin splints I initially presumed. I read concerning accounts of stress fractures evolving into full breaks and potentially leading to longer recovery times. Not wanting to prolong my downtime unnecessarily, I decided to visit urgent care today for a professional evaluation. They conducted x-rays but found no visible abnormalities. The doctor performed a few movements and suspects I might have anterior tibial tendonitis, as there was some crepitus noted. However, fears of a stress fracture still linger. This pain feels distinct from the previous Achilles tendonitis; whereas that felt like a stretching tension, this current sensation resembles a hammer striking my leg when I walk. In contrast, I experience a pulling feeling only when rotating my ankle without weight. I'm uncertain if this all articulates my situation clearly, but I am planning to attend physical therapy soon and will limit incline walking for the time being. Still, I am left wondering if my concerns about a potential stress fracture are warranted, or if this seems more characteristic of tendonitis?
Appropriate Use of Athletic Tape for Swimmers
To provide some background, I’m a 17-year-old female and currently competing in high school swimming while dealing with a knee injury. Essentially, my knee joint is unstable, and it will take several months for recovery. Both knees are affected, and I experience a constant pain level of around 7 out of 10. I've been advised to undergo physical therapy and to utilize athletic tape while swimming during my recovery, along with having to rely on knee braces for long-term support. However, the issue I face is that the tape tends to come off during school hours, and I can’t use my knee brace while I’m in the water. I’m looking for suggestions on how to better secure the tape or if I should consider wrapping it entirely around my knee. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!