Question
Hello! I have a question for you podiatry doc's. I am 36 years old and I was discharge from the U.S. Marines in 1990. I am going into the national guard after all these years. I dont want to get into why. I have my reasons. Anyways I was discharge for Plantor Fascitis not sure if I spelled this correctly but I have been trying to get back in shape I am about 25 lbs over wieght (235lbs.) according to their wieght Qualification scale for my hieght which is 73 in and I was told I can re-enlist with a medical waiver.

I have been doing the usual watching calories and situps,pushups,running etc. and have lost some wieght already. But my problem that worries me is my knees seem to ache not all the time but sometimes even when I walk. At times they seem to give out and Im concerned if this could be a bigger problem or this is normal because of me not running for many years. My feet do hurt at times as well but I have gotten used to this. Seems the more I push the more they hurt. I am considering seing a doctor and getting an opinion. Or maybe I need to strengthen my knees again and lift wieghts but Im not sure what to do. any advice would be greatly appreciated. I really want to return to service but not at the risk of not bieng able to do my job.

Answer
Shannon,

You should certainly see a Podiatrist.  You may benefit from orthotic devices/shoe inserts.  Lack of foot support can cause knee pain.  Keep going with the weight loss, that could make the whole difference.  Also, consider physical therapy.

Good luck with reaching your goals.