| Comment added by : Lauren Reale on the 27 Sep 2007 at 00:39am |
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| I was born in 1958 (49 years old now) with severe bilateral clubfeet. My feet were actually facing backwards. I had achilles tendon surgery at age one and went through all the castings, which were eventually like a pair of pants due to hip dysplasia that led to hip dislocation. I was teased in elementary school because of corrective shoes, etc. Although I tired very easily and had trouble keeping up in activities like running in gym, I got by. In the morning I walked on my toes for a while with some pain. After a while I could lower my feet and walk okay, but I always felt that I had an awkward gait, despite assurances from family and friends "it was all in my mind and I walked fine". I never believed them. As I got older I would always find ways to hide my feet because I felt they didn't look normal. I also became acutely aware of my underdeveloped calf muscles and was extremely self-conscience of how my legs looked. I would never wear a dress or shorts. No matter how hot it was I always wore long pants. People constantly bothered me asking why I didn't have shorts on in such heat, which added to my anxiety. For the past approx. 5 yrs. I've developed arthritis in my feet that causes my great pain that has only gotten worse over time. About a year ago I developed a pretty good size calcium deposit on my left achilles tendon. I also have a lot of back problems, previous back surgery,etc. I can't help but feel it might be all related. I just applied for disability and hope I get it because I can not work. I have to lay down a lot due to fatigue and pain. I've never been able to get over my body image problems related to my legs and feet. 49 yrs. old and I still won't wear shorts. I have a couple of longer summer dresses that I wear sometimes, but only because you can't see much of my legs. Sorry for the very long comment, but I never had any place to vent about my feelings regarding these problems. I keep telling myself that no else cares how my legs and feet look, I make too big a deal of it in my mind, and I'm lucky that I don't have worse problems as some others do. I try to talk myself out of my problems to some degree, but it doesn't work. I welcome anyone's comments. Laurie |
| Comment added by : Lauren Reale on the 27 Sep 2007 at 00:38am |
| I was born in 1958 (49 years old now) with severe bilateral clubfeet. My feet were actually facing backwards. I had achilles tendon surgery at age one and went through all the castings, which were eventually like a pair of pants due to hip dysplasia that led to hip dislocation. I was teased in elementary school because of corrective shoes, etc. Although I tired very easily and had trouble keeping up in activities like running in gym, I got by. In the morning I walked on my toes for a while with some pain. After a while I could lower my feet and walk okay, but I always felt that I had an awkward gait, despite assurances from family and friends "it was all in my mind and I walked fine". I never believed them. As I got older I would always find ways to hide my feet because I felt they didn't look normal. I also became acutely aware of my underdeveloped calf muscles and was extremely self-conscience of how my legs looked. I would never wear a dress or shorts. No matter how hot it was I always wore long pants. People constantly bothered me asking why I didn't have shorts on in such heat, which added to my anxiety. For the past approx. 5 yrs. I've developed arthritis in my feet that causes my great pain that has only gotten worse over time. About a year ago I developed a pretty good size calcium deposit on my left achilles tendon. I also have a lot of back problems, previous back surgery,etc. I can't help but feel it might be all related. I just applied for disability and hope I get it because I can not work. I have to lay down a lot due to fatigue and pain. I've never been able to get over my body image problems related to my legs and feet. 49 yrs. old and I still won't wear shorts. I have a couple of longer summer dresses that I wear sometimes, but only because you can't see much of my legs. Sorry for the very long comment, but I never had any place to vent about my feelings regarding these problems. I keep telling myself that no else cares how my legs and feet look, I make too big a deal of it in my mind, and I'm lucky that I don't have worse problems as some others do. I try to talk myself out of my problems to some degree, but it doesn't work. I welcome anyone's comments. Laurie |
| Comment added by : Tania on the 19 Jul 2007 at 13:29pm |
| I am 30 years old and also born with clubfeet.Had surgeries since i was born.I was also teased. In fourth grade I was a cheerleader. I had to wear leg warmers both my legs.Now my left foot heel is growing a bone. Im in alot of pain.My Dr. is making me a brace now. I hope that works... please e-mail me. |
| Comment added by : Julia Ryan on the 07 Jul 2007 at 11:39am |
| I am 23 years old and I was also born with clubfeet...... everything you said I can relate too.... I do not wear shorts and I was also tased all my life..... If you would like to chat pplease feel free to contact me. |