4 Year Anniversary

It's that time again! The 4 year anniversary of my calcaneal osteotomy (ankle reconstruction). What an amazing journey it's been!

I feel really good! I am fully healed, of course, but I did visit my ankle surgeon about 3 months ago to touch base and ask some questions.

There is one spot beneath my ankle bone that is still excruciating if it is bumped or touched at all. I figured that would heal over time but it doesn't look like that will happen. I also have hypertrophy of the bone in that same area. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it is quite noticeable to the eye. I am putting my body under quite a bit of stress at the moment with my training, so I do feel that area on a daily basis. But, it's just something I've learned to live with. I had x-rays taken to ensure there wasn't any damage and it revealed no issues at all. 

Although I do not regret my decision to have the surgery, there is one thing I didn't fully understand prior to having the reconstruction. When you are moving your heel bone into a different place in your body, it effects EVERYTHING else. So now the left and right sides of my body and very different. I get frequent knee pain and my hips are constantly out of alignment. I treat this with regular visits to a Muscle Activation Therapist and Chiropractor who has done wonders for me. With this treatment, I am able to do the incredible amount of physical activity that I wasn't sure would ever be possible again!

I proud to say that this year I became a Certified Personal Trainer through NASM and NESTA. I am teaching 11 group fitness classes a week including my very own Boot Camp class at the new Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, TX. I am pursing my Fitness Nutrition Specialization and am about to compete in my third Half Marathon!

Since my last post, I competed in my second Half Marathon, where I took 9+ minutes off of my first race's time! My goal at this third race is to feel stronger during the race, which I've been preparing for with 4 months of intense training!

It's hard to believe that another year post-op is in the books. Here's to four more years!

Peace, love and healthy bodies,

Melissa Villamizar, CPT

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