I have been out hiking the AT for almost 6 weeks. Made it to Erwin, but have gotten off to see a foot Dr. I had incredible pain in the balls of both feet and they are pretty much numb to the touch. A bone in each foot (toe next to the pinky on both) was killing me. I didn't get any blisters nor did I have any problems with my boots per se. Has anyone else had such problems and does anyone have any suggestions? Any options for cushioning that part of the boot? http://www.trailplace.com/portal/images/smilies/sad.gif

Sounds like it might be a dropped metatarsal, I had that several years ago. Doctor told me to roll my foot over a golf ball, increasing pressure around the affected area, for 20 minutes each foot every day. Sounds hokey but it worked for me! This condition is almost completely hereditary. Proper footwear can't prevent everything...

Foot problems could be a perpetual thread. So long as you start with healthy feet it's pretty much a matter of pack weight, footwear and miles of hiking. Hopefully your doctor will sort it out for you. It will likely reuire adjusting your pack weight, pack, shoes or shoe orthotics....but that's what they make doctors for.

Hope your feet feel better, the golfball thing does work :)

I have been out hiking the AT for almost 6 weeks. Made it to Erwin, but have gotten off to see a foot Dr. I had incredible pain in the balls of both feet and they are pretty much numb to the touch. A bone in each foot (toe next to the pinky on both) was killing me. I didn't get any blisters nor did I have any problems with my boots per se. Has anyone else had such problems and does anyone have any suggestions? Any options for cushioning that part of the boot? http://www.trailplace.com/portal/images/smilies/sad.gif
Numbness is common among long distance hikers -- though having it start in just six weeks is a bit early. It is harmless and there is little one can do about it, other than reducing pack weight. It stems from the constant pounding on a nerve that runs along the bottom of your feet. It usually goes away within six months of leaving a trail.

Pain is more serious. It usually requires the efforts of a good foot doctor, though some manage to solve it by changing boots and soles, or if you are lucky, just slowing down for a while to enable your feet to adjust to a new activity.

Weary

you need proper arch support......you are putting an incredible amount of stress on your feet while hiking long distance. your boots or shoes are not supporting your feet to the degree they need to be.

you may have some relief with an over the counter product like superfeet. be advised that if you do get a custom orthotic, you will not be able to just put it in your boots and do 15 miles. it will take some serious break in time, like a week or two.

any questions feel free to pm me.

peace
mf

Numbness is common among long distance hikers -- though having it start in just six weeks is a bit early. It is harmless and there is little one can do about it, other than reducing pack weight. It stems from the constant pounding on a nerve that runs along the bottom of your feet. It usually goes away within six months of leaving a trail.

Pain is more serious. It usually requires the efforts of a good foot doctor, though some manage to solve it by changing boots and soles, or if you are lucky, just slowing down for a while to enable your feet to adjust to a new activity.

Weary

Numbness IS very common among long distance hikers. It doesn't always go away after 6 months. It took me 18 months, and I was concerned about permanent foot damage. I know two thru hikers with permanent damage. I quit after 900 miles in part due to foot issues. Listen to what the Dr. tells you !!!