Question
I am 56. I am also overweight, and out of shape. Up until my late forties, I was still able to play pick up soccer with my co-workers. During the last game, I suffered a meniscus tear in one knee, and a pulled ligament in the other. Before that I got a bad case of plantar faciitis in one foot from running on a hard pitch. That healed, but recently flared up again after being on strike and walking the picket line. I am just getting over it. I am a slow healer, and all of those injuries took a long time to heal, and they needed physio,an operation for the knee, and accupuncture and cortisone shots for the foot. Just lately I feel real good, injury and pain free, and am losing a bit of weight. Here is my 'issue':
My co-workers, all of whom are younger than me, keep inviting me out to play, now that I am 'healed'. I admit I am very tempted! The mind is willing but the flesh is weak. I would love to go out for fun, but I feel I will just re injure myself again. Am I better to just watch from the sidelines these days, or should I join in? For that matter, is there an age when doctors reccommend that guys should hang up the cleats for good, and concentrate on less physical exercise to avoid injury? Thanks for your thoughts!

Answer
Dear Bud,

This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist located in West Loop 60661,Roscoe Village 60618, Ukrainian Village 60622, Elmhurst 60126 & Bartlett 60103 says
Continue with a good diet & exercise to your tolerance level. Perhaps wear a knee brace for protection.
Never hang it up-lot's of fit people in their sixties, always find an exercise that will raise your heart rate. Exercise 3x a week for 45 minutes, up to 4 times a week 75 minutes-mild to moderate intensity.
Hope this helps & Good Luck

Dr George Tsatsos, Svetlana Zats, Dr Mariano Rivera, Dr Massard & Dr KurtzhaChicago 60618 & 60622, Elmhurst 60126, Bartlett 60103 Podiatrists
Board Certified swimming or wearing a knee bin Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661

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