Two foot-related items; one moderately ridiculous, the other potentially problematic

[yrmencyn]

OK, so. 

Foot-related item the first.  I walk around barefoot at work quite a lot, and this seems to really weird people out.  Not so much the actual DMP clientele, who don't really even seem to notice, but random students in the halls and rooms.  To wit, I just now walked down the hall to fill up my water bottle, and there was this random guy waiting for the elevator.  We don't even acknowledge each other as I approach, but while I'm standing at the water fountain with my back to him, he says "Floors must be pretty clean here!"  Uh... sure?  They clean them?  And as I said to him, it's not like I'm eating off the bottoms of my feet. 

The better story, though, comes from a colleague's student.  I popped my head in to check on her (she was working on a GIMP project with some students, and I wanted to make sure the program was playing nice), and then I walked off.  She told me later that the student she was working with at the time asked her, "Who was that?"  She told him that I was one of the computer people -- 'he works here' -- to which he responded "He can't work here!  He's not wearing shoes!"

I just think it's funny.  I mean, I work for one of the most laidback segments of an already rather relaxed department.  No one in any official capacity really gives a damn.  But societal expectations of professional dress run strong, I suppose.  I got odd comments from my colleagues down at LSU, too.  Weird broad-scale foot phobia.

Foot-related item the second.  I think I may have to see a doctor about my foot.  It's been periodically giving me trouble for a few weeks now; I can't remember if it started when I jumped off my sister's patio (unimportant story), or if that just 'woke it up'.  Anyway, I have a stabbing pain in the large tarsal on top of my arch sometimes, mainly if I jump somewhere or walk for a long time.  Certainly seems like it could be some sort of fracture.  Ugh, what if it is and I have to wear one of those gigantic boots?  Feh.

Comments

[rosepurr.livejournal.com]

One of Jim's academic papers is about barefeet in public libraries. The Supreme Court case cited in his paper was from the Columbus Public Library. People there feel strongly about bare feet on both sides of the issue. :)

[zigeunerweisen.livejournal.com]

Huh. I would never, ever want to go barefoot. I have major...I dunno, texture issues? The feeling of anything even vaguely gritty or grainy or rough or basically anything other than a sandal or sock under my foot totally freaks me out. So I think I'd be squicked out by seeing someone go barefoot the way you do, but not because of any societal expectations of professional dress...just because I'm a weirdo.

[pixidala.livejournal.com]

If you have a tarsal or metatarsal fracture, they'll have you soak and wrap it, but they won't put you in a boot (there's no point to immobilizing it since you're going to move your toes unconsciously anyway). It sounds to me less like you have a fracture and more like a pulled muscle or a possible bone spur. I would suggest you see a podiatrist and have it x-rayed, and soon.

~ the former ballerina with the knitted right metatarsals

[whisperwheel.livejournal.com]

I concur. They will just wrap it if it is a fracture in something tight like neoprene prewrap. Best luck!

And as far as going barefoot... well, you know me.

[pixidala.livejournal.com]

Have you tried that new heat-wrap stuff? It's expensive, but it's very nice - kinda like wrapping the muscles in a tightly-fitting electric blankie. I had one that I was using on the bad foot on bad days, but I've already worn it out (darn).

[francisoneal.livejournal.com]

The Patio of Death claims it's first victim.

..but not it's last! Muhahahha etc.

Also, I'll remind you that you did hella lot of heavy lifting in the last two months, and I know from horrible personal experience that can warp tarsals/create spurs/generally fuck things up.

Podiatrist asap, seconded.

[comixologist.livejournal.com]

D: I HOPE YOUR FOOTS ARE OKAY AND ALLOWED TO REMAIN BARE AND FREE FOREVAR

Or at least for as long as you want them to. D: I also vote that you should see a podiatrist - hopefully it's nothing serious, but pain is never good.

[angelictigress.livejournal.com]

there's a good chance that it may just be a tear in a tendon.

The only time I had a problem with your bare feet is when you would pick a callus with your little knife then cut an apple or cheese...

[chanala.livejournal.com]

I used to work for lawyers, and one of them walked around the office all the time in his socks. It's not barefoot but it's still pretty cool.