flatfeet
03-03-2012, 09:47
Last year my thru hike was cut short about 200 miles in with nerve pain in the ankles.
Which was due in large part to poor choice of non-supportive footwear and a lack of
insoles.
Back home the doctor gave me a cortisone shot and a pair of orthotics.
What followed was more than 5 months of nagging ankle pain. I couldn't walk more than
5 miles without stinging pain. I probably went through probably 5 pairs of different
"support shoes" with "excellent arch support". And still I wasn't getting any better.
It was at that point that a friend suggested that I switch to flats, barefoot shoes, thin slippers,
or just go barefoot.
I wore thin slippers all day at work. And did foot exercises everyday.
I wasn't easy. And it took about about 3 months to build up strength. But the pain now is
virtually gone. And I now have an actual arch in my feet when before they were quite flat.
The only time I ever have foot pain is when I have to wear my old support sneakers.
Has anyone had a similar experience? And if so, what footwear did you wear for your hike after
your recovery? I am reluctant to go hike again in non-supportive shoes. I'll have to figure that one out
later I suppose.
Thanks for reading. I hope it helps for people with similar foot problems.
-Chris.
Which was due in large part to poor choice of non-supportive footwear and a lack of
insoles.
Back home the doctor gave me a cortisone shot and a pair of orthotics.
What followed was more than 5 months of nagging ankle pain. I couldn't walk more than
5 miles without stinging pain. I probably went through probably 5 pairs of different
"support shoes" with "excellent arch support". And still I wasn't getting any better.
It was at that point that a friend suggested that I switch to flats, barefoot shoes, thin slippers,
or just go barefoot.
I wore thin slippers all day at work. And did foot exercises everyday.
I wasn't easy. And it took about about 3 months to build up strength. But the pain now is
virtually gone. And I now have an actual arch in my feet when before they were quite flat.
The only time I ever have foot pain is when I have to wear my old support sneakers.
Has anyone had a similar experience? And if so, what footwear did you wear for your hike after
your recovery? I am reluctant to go hike again in non-supportive shoes. I'll have to figure that one out
later I suppose.
Thanks for reading. I hope it helps for people with similar foot problems.
-Chris.