Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with legs

Starting off on the wrong feet: what to do about waking to foot & leg pain?

moonbird — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:06:24 -0800

When I wake up, I have lately been vexed with a dull pain in my lower legs and especially feet that reminds me of a long day of walking... . ...except that on my job I don't spend much time of my feet. So, YANMP (Podiatrist), to get that out of the way. This is nothing like the descriptions of plantar fascitis or bunions, which seems to be a much higher and sharper grade pain than this, and my arches are intact. This simply feels like I've been on an all day walk, when much of my working day is spent seated or occasionally on my feet at the hospital but not for extended periods. I have sensible shoes and can't grok other potential factors. I have no coldness or numbness, just this annoying ache. I do question if it's related to the two meniscectomies I've had (both knees) over the past three years. I have a great MD to inquire to if needed but without health insurance I'm holding off for only dire situations. Thanks in advance.

Looking for metal legs for monitor stand.

Atarah — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:49:11 -0800

Can I make or buy a version of these metal desk legs? I've made myself a monitor shelf out of an IKEA Shelf and these legs. However, it's a bit too high for my liking. The legs should be around 3" instead of 4".

I've been looking for something like the IKEA Slinga brackets, except without the extra edge sticking out. Have you seen or heard of something that matches that description? About 5-6" long and about 3" high. Preferably in stainless steel. I'd rather purchase it somewhere, but I can build it if it's not terribly difficult and doesn't require expensive tools. It's for a work desk, so it needs to look "nice".

Can you help me with my search? Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Some Symbol!

yellowbkpk — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:05:03 -0800

What is this symbol on my old early 20th-century pin? I have what is either a lapel pin or a cufflink that looks like this:

Image One

Image Two

How can I attach legs to a table?

AAAAAThatsFiveAs — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:10:52 -0800

[CarpentryFilter]: What is the best way to (re)attach legs to a table? I inherited a lovely old table from a friend's father, and would like to refinish it.

I started by removing the rickety pull-out leaves from table, which made the whole situation less wobbly. Following this, I removed this leaf crosspiece thing with the intention of connecting the table top directly to the legs/apron(?).

What is the best way to attach this base to this top (underside here)?

I was considering using screws and small brackets, but found some talk online about the expansion/contraction of wood not lending it to being bolted together. FWIW, the tabletop is 31 1/2" x 44 1/4" x 3/4", and the apron is 2 3/4" long, and 3/4" thick.

Additional Pictures:
Close-up of table corner
Side-view of table

I have minimal carpentry experience, and the following tools at my disposal: Power drill/screwdriver, hammer, visegrip, all manner of wrenches, and a Home Depot two blocks away.

Thanks MeFites!

(Bonus question: What kind of wood is this, anyway, and what sort of stain/finisher would you recommend?)

Could a person be healthier with no legs?

Ookseer — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:15:44 -0800

Might there be health advantages to, say, not having any legs? I've been having an ongoing discussion with a friend inspired by some of Aimee Mullins' TED talks and how downright awesome she makes it sound to have no legs.

One question that neither of us can figure out is what might be the health benefits of not having legs. Would your heart have less stress because it doesn't need to pump blood out of your feet? Could you oxygenate your blood more efficiently? (Since you have less blood but the same lungs.) Would your immune system be more efficient, having to cover less ground?

Yes, these are the things that keep me up at night.

My legs are built wrong. Is there a solution?

tzikeh — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:30:40 -0800

I'm 40 years old. Is there any way to bend my bones into another position if they're malformed? My legs are a disaster area. I have to turn my (very, very flat) feet out 90 degrees just to get my knees to face forward. If I aim my feet straight ahead, I'm not bow-legged (thighs are straight), so much as... I don't know, shins-bent-into-arc legged? And it hurts my ankles. It's like every joint from my hips to my toes was built wrong.

I don't have plantar fascitis, ITBS, or any other foot/leg-related problems.

Okay, so, lucky you - you get to see my 40-year-old legs for reference's sake:

Here my feet are parallel to one another, and facing forward. You can't really tell in the photo, but if I were to bend at the knees, they'd knock into one another at a severe angle.

Here my feet are at a 90-degree angle to one another (first position, for you ballet people out there). In this position, if I bend my knees, they go straight forward, parallel, like a regular pair of legs would do if their feet were facing straight forward.

If I were to turn my feet into a 180-degree line (and I can), my knees would bend slightly outward. This is why I never got far in ballet.

Does anyone know if there are leg braces or something that could bend my bones into some kind of normal shape? I wouldn't be at all embarrassed to wear them, if it meant that I could eventually walk and run like a person with regular legs. Or is it far too late to reshape bones at my age?

(Also - I've never understood why people with flat feet should get walking/running shoes with high arches, or orthotics. Doesn't that just throw your whole body out of whack?)

Make them go away!!!

damnjezebel — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:54:25 -0800

What the hell are these little bumps all over my legs? For seriously as long as i can remember, I've always had these little flesh colored bumps on my legs. Now, I get small red bumps on the back of my arms, but I can exfoliate those right away. These bumps on my legs? DO NOT GO AWAY! I've gone months without shaving, I've tried waxing, I've tried shaving in the direction of the growth and NOTHING. They don't multiply, or get worse, or anything like that. Are they ingrown hairs - they don't look like it - they're just flesh colored, that's it. It looks like I have permanent goosebumps in some places.

I just want smooth legs, that's all. Anyone know what it is and how to get rid of it? Are some people just cursed with bad skin on their legs?

what is the correct term for musician jump kick

planetkyoto — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 05:27:00 -0800

What should I call it when a band is finishing a song and the guitarist hits the last chord while jumping in the air and jack knifing his/her legs back? I guess it's a way of putting an exclamation mark on the song, and, I suppose, to make sure that the other members of the band know that the song is ending here and not going around again. Should I just call it a "jump kick" or is there some preferred term among musicians. Any other insights into this practice are welcome, since I'm not a musician. This is for a documentary.

I can't feel my toes...

Solomon — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:42:08 -0800

Do you stand for long periods at your job? If so, how do you handle it? My new job entails a lot of standing up, for periods of over 1 hour at a time. My upper body is getting plenty of exercise and movement, but my legs are pretty stationary.

I'm looking for things I can do or wear or use to a] help prevent varicose veins (which run in the family), b] keep my feet from aching and c] generally help me be more comfortable standing for such long periods.

Sitting down is an option, but not really a practical one, as I have to turn around, walk two steps, turn around and walk back again every 5 minutes or so. Getting in an out of a chair that much would only irritate me.

Any general ideas how how best to handle this situation welcome.

I got legs, I don't know how to use 'em.

iamisaid — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:46:57 -0800

I'm a guy who has ugly, pale legs and thus hasn't worn shorts in public since childhood. But living in a hot climate, I'd really like to be able to wear something besides jeans/pants in public without feeling insecure. What are your suggestions for alternatives to shorts that aren't pants but still keep most of my legs covered and where would I obtain said garment? Or might you have general advice about foregoing pants when you really, really don't like your legs? Yes, I had a traumatic experience in elementary school when I wore shorts one day and a classmate made fun of me and my legs. Since then I've been very insecure about showing my legs in public. They are really pale, they rather resemble chicken legs in that they are a little fatty and ill-proportioned and are rather bumpy to top it off. And I'm quite tall, so they are very long. Also, I'm quite fair-skinned and can't tan, so giving them some sun won't really help.

A year or so ago I tried buying some casual cargo shorts from Aeropostale or some similar place, but had a hard time finding a style/size that would be long enough for me but not huge in the waist (I generally wear a 32x36 in jeans). And even if I had found the right size, I'd be much more comfortable wearing something that covers a little more of my legs than your average pair of shorts.

I'd perhaps like something that covers about 3/4 of the leg or so, which I sometimes see guys my age (college students) wearing. I just don't know what they might be called or where to find them.

Lastly, although I appreciate all suggestions, getting over my insecurity and "learning to love" my legs isn't really what I have in mind. I'm not there yet. Thanks, though!

Let Me Run Free Again?

tmcw — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 11:08:38 -0800

I can walk, I can bike, I can't run more than a mile without my knee locking up. My first thought was IT Band, but that seems to mean stinging pain and just pain. What I'm getting is, a mile or two in, my knee will start to get stiff, and eventually I'll have to stop. There some attendant pain, but not of the stinging variety - only kind of a sharp pain if I extend my knee too much.

I can run, and I've run about 6 seasons of cross-country and track in the past, with occasional shin splints but few joint-related quandries. Since the treatment for IT band is rest, I've given it lots of rest: I've stopped running for 1.5 - 2 months at a time, and the first time I come back, doing a super-short run of 1.5 - 2 miles, this'll happen and my knee will be awful and painful the next day.

And I'm 21, so if it's arthritis, that sucks.

I know YANMD, etc - and I'm going to see a doctor soon, but I'd like a general idea of what this could be, because I dearly miss running and doctors are not 100% accurate.

Sitting Like a Pretzel

skyper — Mon, 26 May 2008 20:15:50 -0800

Will my lifelong habit of crossing my legs cause problems, like circulation, down the road? No matter where I'm sitting, on upholstered cushions or in a dining chair at a restaurant or on the ground at a picnic, I *always* feel this urge to cross my legs. Not exactly "indian-style," more like folded arms in a way.
I try to remind myself to sit with legs stretched out/feet on the floor often as possible, then before I know it I look and find I've crossed them again, without even thinking.
Aside from avoiding this in formal gatherings etc., help me decide if it's a habit I need to fix due to possible problems developing eventually with blood circulation in my legs, or is that not even something to worry about?

If only it were as simple as changing the oil

EatTheWeak — Mon, 12 May 2008 06:41:38 -0800

I could use some help loosening up for my return to cycling. After a very long interval away from bicycles, I am returning to two-wheeled transport for both fitness and commuting. I was hoping some veteran Mefite cyclists might recommend a few stretches for the hips, legs and lower back. I'm feeling a lot of tension through these areas, and am hoping to learn some stretches ideal for loosening these regions up.

You are not my doctor, but I am too lazy to go see one.

Large Marge — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 23:55:21 -0800

at night my legs get sore. It is enough that I will wake up too early and can't fall back to sleep. Sometimes I even dream about it, like I'm doing an iron man competition and am pulling an airplane or something. This isn't restless leg syndrome (is that even real?), they're just sore. Anyone know why this might happen and what I should do? I moved in august, but it's been going on over two different beds. Is it possible that I have too many blankets (cold winter)? too stiff a bed? Unresolved anxiety about nuclear war?

Long Haired Mama Seeks Lawnmower

Phalene — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:08:16 -0800

Razor Filter: What's a good electric razor for legs and face? Mama Moth has, like her sisters and female relatives, a moustache. While not bothered by this to the extent of laser removal, she wants a little workhorse of a razor she can use on her mouth and chin area and then on her legs in the summer time. Thus she has asked me (her daughter) to beg the mighty green mefi for their advice in this matter.

The intended gender of the razor doesn't matter, and she'll pay plenty if it's a nice, long lasting unit that gives a good shave. So, give ye your advice, oh wise and mighty hivemind! Which products are worth it and which aren't worth the cost of stamps to return them?

Skinny jeans for a big butt?

Slap*Happy — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:17:45 -0800

My best beloved wants a pair of jeans she can wear her boots over top of. She can't seem to find a pair that fits right... How weird is this? I'm asking style advice for my bride-to-be, because she's too shy to ask anyone herself.

She has a body shape that has blessed her with an ample bottom, but exceptionally slender legs. She's not heavy at all... she's got hourglass curves like a 40's pinup.

She likes the look of knee-high boots over tight jeans (as do I, hence my eagerness to ask this question on her behalf) but the jeans that fit her are all boot-cut or wide leg, and don't look right with boots zipped up over them. Skinny leg jeans that accommodate her hips are too loose around the waist and downright baggy around the legs.

Are there any brands/styles that are designed to fit her bodyshape? She's not prepared to shell out megabucks for this, either. (She has a boot addiction to feed.)

To Here Knows When, When You Sleep

milarepa — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 09:01:43 -0800

How long can your extremities "fall asleep" before there is permanent damage? I often wake up in the middle of the night and one of my arms is completely numb, like dead body numb. Is this dangerous at all?

Additionally, I meditate in the full lotus and one or both my legs sometimes fall asleep when I am sitting slightly crooked. I can keep meditating after they fall asleep, but I begin to worry that I am doing some sort of damage to my legs. How long is it safe to stay in that position after you know your legs are asleep?

Skinny legs + shorts + trainers = argh!

lemonfridge — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 16:53:04 -0800

Shorts + Trainers on a skinny, gym going guy. I've become a die-hard gym goer. I've been going 5 nights a week for over a month now and I'm liking the results I'm seeing. But when I work out I get far too hot and sticky in the pants department.

I usually wear jogging pants, as they cover my skinny legs. I want to wear shorts instead, but my legs make the trainers look HUGE and I'm very self conscious about it.

What do I do MeFites? How do I make this look good?

The only reason I identify with Hilary Clinton

Anonymous — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 20:05:51 -0800

Please help me make my legs not disgusting. I hate hate hate my legs

Everywhere north of my belly button, I am really thin and toned (to the point where I get "You are eating, right?" comments).

But unfortunately, I have some of the most awful looking legs in the world. Thick thighs, doughy kneecaps, chunky calves, and, if that wasn't enough, really bad cankles.

If I wear jeans or long skirts (and they are all I ever do wear), I look pretty damn good, but god forbid I wear something that shows even a little stretch of leg.

I want to wear a swimsuit proudly, I want to not freak out about getting naked with a guy. And summer is coming again soon.

Look, I've accepted that I'll never be a pantyhose model but I am convinced there must be a way to get my legs looking nice.

I need practical suggestions on how to get my legs looking good for summer. I'm mainly concerned about my kneecaps, chunky calves, and cankles. I can't afford surgery, but I have a lot of willpower and motivation, and I will try any diet, exercise, and creams or potions that might work.

I know certain kinds of exericse will help, but I absolutely do not want to do anything that will build the muscle on my calves in a way that it will make them chunkier! how can I avoid that?

I'm assuming nothing can be done about my cankles, they are all skin and bone and it seems there is not fat around them I could work off. But if I could get firm bony kneecaps and moderately slender calves, I'd be stoked.

Thank you so much!

Cuisses de grenouille

SBMike — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:27:33 -0800

Best place for frog's legs in Paris? I'm going to Paris for a week on vacation and have already found many good suggestions for things to do in some previous questions. One thing I would like to try though are some authentic frog's legs. Where are the best (reasonably-priced) places to go?

OUCH!!

pearlybob — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 12:16:52 -0800

How bad does it hurt to get your legs waxed? On a scale of one to ten, eyebrow waxing (to me) ranks about a 3. Upper lip, about a 6. Where on this scale would you put leg waxing? I've always wanted to try it and find myself in a good "growth" position to give it a whirl but I'm a little chicken. FWIW, I have very little hair on my legs and it is very fine, but there's enough to want to get it off. Also, anything you would suggest to prep before the appointment? Lotion, exfoliation, etc? Thanks smooth mefites!!

Leg-crossing compulsion

TheSecretDecoderRing — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:49:51 -0800

Why do I often feel the compulsion to put one leg up on the other when sitting? Obviously it's something everyone does anyway here and there, but I'm not sure what causes me to do it as often as possible, especially at work. It just feels more comfortable that way I suppose, and after standing for a long period of time, it feels like more of a relief to sit that way than if I have both feet on the ground. Is it something to do with circulation or musculature? Is it necessarily a bad sign? And I'm not sure if it's related, but I've also done a lot of leg/foot shaking in my life, much to the annoyance of my parents.

Why do dogs stick their heads out of moving cars windows?

econous — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 21:39:37 -0800

Why do dogs stick their heads out of moving cars windows?

How can I reduce my thigh-bulges?

Anonymous — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 21:02:22 -0800

Running has made my "saddlebags" more noticeable. Is there any way to remedy this? I have saddlebags (bulges of fat on the outer sides of my thighs). I run 3-5 miles a day, and this has made my hips very tight, which makes the thighs stick out even more. Is there anything I can do about this? The internet says that all one can do is lose weight, but I really don't need to lose any weight (this is a vanity thing, not an anorexia thing). I also don't have enough money for a personal trainer. Suggestions? Yoga? Biking? Vigorous gardening?

legcoats

jourman2 — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 11:04:29 -0800

clothesfilter: Why don't we wear coats on our legs? This recent bout of cold weather in NYC has gotten me thinking about why we don't wear coats on our legs. If I'm wearing some cotton pants or whatnot its like wearing a tshirt over my legs. And yet I've never noticed my legs being cold.

On the other hand, we dress with multiple layers over the top half of our bodies, topping it all off with down coats or whatnot.

I'm aware that people wear long underwear (I've done it too while skiing) but I don't think most people wear them on a regular basis simply because they don't feel the need.

So why is this? Do our legs not need as much warmth as our upper bodies? Is it related to our internal organs? Do they lose heat faster then our legs?

Speculation and factual information welcomed.