Hey everybody, obviously by the title you can tell my name is Nick. When I was born I also had two club feet. My feet when I were born were completely turned and it was a shocker that I am actually able to walk today. They did the whole casting and breaking the bone thing when I was a baby in order to make my feet look at least a little normal.
Through my 20 years of living I have had probably at least 8 surgeries(some in which I don’t remember). The ones I remember clearly are third grade. In third grade i got casts past my thighs. I think they gave me surgery again because my feet were starting to turn In when I ran. However in school I’ve never been bullied for my feet which is amazing. I remember I was friends with the most popular kids because everyone thought it was cool to be in a wheel chair for third grade. What they didn’t know was that it was honestly the most painful thing. I still talk to my third grade helper who pushed me around all day. I want to thank her for being such a huge part of my growing as a child.
In high school I ended up getting surgery again for the who knows what time. This surgery, I had no clue what it was for but I did it. My parents said it would be beneficial so I did it. I think it was my sophomore or freshman year of high school. I was just on crutches which wasn’t so bad and I actually got really good at using them. I could go faster than anyone with crutches lol. Anyway, after I recovered from that surgery, in my junior year I ended up fracturing my foot in gym class. I knew I didn’t fully recover from my last surgery but no one listened. Only people with club feet would understand. Just like when I swim, I’m not the best swimmer because I can barely move my feet the way I should to swim. Does anyone else have issues swimming? So anyway after I fractured my foot they realized I needed another surgery, but at least it was junior year and not senior. So at least I could walk down to get my diploma and not crutch down. I have now graduated high school and I’m now in college and love every minute of it. People no longer say how small my feet are because they don’t care which is awesome. That was the closest I was to bullying, people commenting on how small my feet are.
My feet hurt days when it rains, which sucks but nothing ibuprofen won’t six. So far so good, I’m just scared for my future because I don’t know if I’ll need another surgery or not. Any feedback?? Older people please tell me how your feet are doing after several years of surgery and pain.
I have trouble doing the following things:
- Walking up hills
- Running
- Swimming
- Walking on slanted paths.
I look forward to responses. If you have any questions just ask.
Nick, I am 52 years old so I guess I fall into the “older people” category.
I too have club feet – both feet – and I have had numerous operations – both as a child and young adult. I wore calipers until I was 20. It was only after surgery that I had to spend a little time in wheel chairs or on crutches. Since I said good-bye to my calipers I have been wearing a splint on my right foot as my heel does not touch the ground.
I was never bullied but I hated the pity and the way people would often stare at me. This was particularly difficult as a teenager and young adult. I grew up in a lot of pain but somehow I always managed. Of course I never won a race as a child but did do better as a young adult – on my bicycle. – just local races in the West of Ireland. My biggest cycle achievement was doing the Mara Cycle from Dublin to Belfast and back (all in two days) way back when I was 21.
Like you I too have problems walking on sloping paths or hills etc. But that never stopped me – I climbed our own Croagh Patrick 5 times – and I also climbed Table Mountain in South Africa. And like you I love to swim. I know that my feet hamper me. I would love to improve my stroke so have decided to take some lessons. I have swam in the Liffey and Boyne (two great Irish Rivers) and I swim in the sea all year round. I dont wear a wet suit. I usually come last or thereabouts in races – even if I start at “go” or worse “pre go” – but I don’t mind as long I can take part. I am in a lovely group called The Frosties and they are ever so kind to me.
The biggest problem I now have is driving – my left foot is not coping with the clutch. I was a late starter in the car and have only been driving for five years – and already my left foot is now in a lot of pain. I have had to reduce my walking because of it.
I cannot say I like my club feet but I do believe they have made who I am. I have been blessed to have volunteered in Calcutta, Bangladesh, Mexico and here in Ireland – and I have travelled to many parts of the world.
And let’s face it – I could have a lot worse problems.
God is good.
Regards Nick – and to Cam and Aubrey too
Mags
I did have trouble swimming but because I train in swimming I have gotten used to it. I have a disability classification because of my club foot and that has benefited me because I go to big competitions and have competed for my country. I wouldn’t have it any other way tbh.
If you practice it will get better but you will improvise the way you swim to suit you. I have club foot in my right leg so my right arm is stronger to compromise, the same with my left leg. This changes my stroke and my coaches know that that is the way it is most efficient to swim for me. You probably don’t want to compete and train but just going in the pool once a week or so will help it I’m sure.
With running and walking I still find uncomfortable even though I do this at least once a week. To help with that I usually use an ankle support and that helps a little. Hills and slopes I have to adjust my running or walking and it sometimes hurts but I try to endure it so the next time it won’t be as bad.
Hope this helped, it’s nice to know that there are others going through a similar thing that I am.
I also have the same issue when I swim, so I have to improvise a way to swim.