Sports Podiatrist appointment yesterday

[Realfoodieclub]

I have poorly feet, Well to be honest I have been struggling with pain in the balls of my feet for ages, especially over long runs. It was getting to the point that any walk over 2-3km was beginning to hurt unless I strapped my feet up. My runs have got less frequent and although I am still running every week I have to say I was beginning to not enjoy them. Blisters were plaguing me every long walk and run.

The day after my runs I was aching all over, this I put down to menopause and getting older, being quite arthritic anyway.

So yesterday I went to see a sport podiatrist. The good news in my mind is there is something wrong. I am not just getting old, which has been a great relief to find out. It was an hours appointment and quite technical. So at the end I said please explain in the easiest of terms and he was so patient with me he sat down and drew my feet and toes on a piece of paper and explained what was happening.

Unfortunately I have three problems. One, my big toes don’t move when in motion. I can move them brilliantly when in the air but as soon as the foot hits the floor the big toes lock flat to the floor. This mean I don’t push off from my toes. So then my natural neutral foot tries to compensate by twisting out and trying to get the rest of my toes on the floor to push off with. The second Injury is the inflammation this causes the second toe as it wasn't built for that sort of pressure. I also have a slight Morton neuroma

I know, just shoot me really 😂😂😂😂. The pain the next day is caused by my calves, and hamstrings being forced into a different position to run and walk and obviously they complain the next day.

The solution, custom made orthotics. This will help to keep my feet in the correct position as I walk and run. I had my feet scanned yesterday and they will be ready in a few weeks. Then I have to let my body adjust to them slowly. I will have to learn to run again and he has said that the C25k is just the right amount of progression increases to get me used to running in orthotics.

One of my reasons for posting on this forum is because I wanted to ask a genuine question that I am wondering and I know on the other forums there might not be enough experience to answer this is the clinical way.

Do you think my toe not being able to push off the way it is supposed to would be something that is hindering my pace? I am fine with being slow but I just have faint glimmer of hope that this might make me faster, what do you think?

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Sorry to hear you've been having so many problems! This does though, and as you say yourself, sound very positive to me.

It's going to be interesting - at least I hope you enjoy learning to run in a new way! I have read several articles/books that suggest that going back to the beginning and changing one's gait will be necessary to improve running performance. I'm really not qualified to pronounce on this, but if the orthotics help you to run without discomfort it seems reasonable that you can then start running faster.

I hope to see you joining our October speed challenge!

[Realfoodieclub Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Thank you. It will be a new experience learning to run with my big toes. I will see about October, I might be up for that, we will see.

[ancientrunner Half Marathon]

Glad you have some answers and hopefully a solution. Time will tell but it could well be that toe is holding you back!!

[Realfoodieclub Marathon in reply to ancientrunner]

I think it might be it is going to be interesting, time will tell.

[ancientrunner Half Marathon in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Well, I should of course have pointed out you have done remarkably well to have run as far as you have with all that going on. You are a very determined lady. x

[Realfoodieclub Marathon in reply to ancientrunner]

Hehe stubborn as a mule my Mum used to say 😂😂😂.

[C3PO Marathon]

I don't have an answer, but am glad you're getting help!

[Realfoodieclub Marathon in reply to C3PO]

Thank you. I really think it will make a difference

[mrrun Ultramarathon]

I'm sorry to read all this but you will experience improvements with help that you're getting. I ran without insoles in the beginning which caused no end of troubles but once they custom cut them to fit my awkward feet everything improved - posture, hips, knees, ankles, discomfort disappeared. Let's hope you go the same way!

[Realfoodieclub Marathon in reply to mrrun]

I am actually a little excited now it has all settled in. I have always thought that my aches and pains post run were part and parcel of being arthritic, It would be lovely if just some of the pain disappeared. Thanks for the positive picture.

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Hope the orthotics do the trick for you RFC! Xxx

[Realfoodieclub Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Thank you Ali, it is going to be interesting 😀.